How to Pretend You Are a Matriarch

The thread that holds the family together... The essence of my photography is self-portraiture, indirectly. At the same time, I want to capture and reflect on experiences that are often universal. My project “How to Pretend You Are a Matriarch” is a lyrical documentary celebrating family traditions that women uphold, instill, and pass on through generations. In addition, I explore how to support my sisters and the new generation of my family members. This body of work is an exploration of connecting to roots and finding my place in a world that is both painful and beautiful. 

For this series of work, I will be exploring what it is to step into the footsteps of a strong matriarch. I will be taking a look at my ancestral legacy of women and the community of women that make up this world. Women are often anchors in communities along with the keepers of tradition. While traditions vary from country to country, the role of matriarchy is a universal experience. Through photographs, I aim to delve into my role in this traditional rite of passage as I move into this new segment of my life.

The titles are primarily made up of “dichos” or proverbs from New Mexico, which is a common way to impart wisdom to children and is part of everyday life within the culture of New Mexico.