I went home to Texas recently. I live in Santa Barbara and going home is not an easy task while being a full-time student at Brooks Institute of Photography and working as well. While I was there, I was compelled to make this image of my mother, grandmother and me. It was interesting trying to get my grandmother to show her sholders. She is very old fashioned and 100% japanese. But, I got her to do it! Something inside of me told me that I had to take this image. I almost lost my grandmother 2 years ago. And it has been really hard on my mom since then. She works a full-time job and takes care of my grandmother also. It really was the time to go home. 4 weeks later, we have found out that my grandmother has cancer. It is almost a painful experience, now, to look at this image knowing that some unexplainable force told me it was time for this image to come forward. I also cherish it with all my heart. I am very enabled by the female spirit. Most of my model are women. But I also am very compelled by human nature and instinct. Photography is a driving force in my life. It has brought me great happines and wonderful friends. I hope you enjoy the image... For me it is "close to home"
Serena Lee

I am having a ahrd time posting imeages.. here's ther url..
http://host265.ipowerweb.com/~serenand/images/Three_generations2.TIF

Thanks Serena,

I reformatted the image as a JPEG for you --



Very nice -- it has a beautiful ethereal quality to it and the expressions are very sweet.

I am sorry to inform that my grandmother is no longer here. I read what I wrote and I cry. She lived a great life and I am grateful to be her granddaughter. It is a bittersweet joy sometimes to be a photographer and freeze moments in time. I am so lucky to share in moments like this with others as well as with my own family. Give thanks.
Serena

Wow, Serena. that photo is priceless. it's a really touching story that has a terrific image to go with it. thanks a lot for sharing it. I'm sure you showed it to Joyce. we'll all see it in your published book some day anyhow hope you and Jason aren't working too hard.

Joe Fritton