"Dominant Traits"

   This series is an appropriation of old family photographs that have been passed down from many generations. My great great grandmother was of Native American descent, and my great great grandfather was of Irish descent. They passed down their physical traits along with these photographs, so I attempted at showing the result of those traits being passed down in a recreation of the photographs. 

   Because I wanted the pictures to look as authentic as possible, I chose to make the colors look as if they were greatly faded and wanted there to be a strong presence of a light cream-ish tan color. Along with the slightly faded colors and illusion of overexposure and lack of sharp detail to add to the authentication, I added texture over the photographs to give them a slightly worn look, making them look even older. 

   I love family, and the concept of the closeness of how, even though me and my immediate family and my ancestors live in different time periods and cultures, we are still united by the direct bloodline which passed down our own unique traditions, beliefs, morals, and even physical traits. This series reminds of how dear to me my family and all that is encompassed with my immediate family which has been shaped by our ancestors. To me, there is no greater gift of this world, than to have the blessing of family.

Antique family photos