The Project
Thought Process
Towards the end of September 2017, I had an idea that became the centerpiece for an upcoming exhibit. It would later become My Picture Tells A Story. What if I had six people tell me their stories, six different stories? What if I used six images on each canvas? It could be a unique Seeing in Sixes project.
Once the concept was born, I needed six volunteers. Taking a chance, I looked for them where I work. Receiving more than I needed, I took the first six. Johanna, Skyla, Erinn, Billy, Fekadu, and Tim brought My Picture Tells A Story to life.
My Picture Tells A Story
Starting in November 2017, over seven months, Billy, Tim, Skyla, Erinn, Fekadu, and Johanna told me their personal stories. During each story session, everyone dressed sat, spoke, and moved as they chose. Never rehearsed, prompted, or interrupted, every narrative was spontaneous. I never talked during the story sessions. Each story took 30 to 90 minutes to tell. I took 500 to 1,500 images each time. I then chose six in chronological order to tell their story.
The Project Continues
From January 2019 through December 2019. Lisa, Shanae, Amanda M., Heather, Brian, Allen, Cristina, Jenny, Sue, Connie, Beverly, Jeremy, Amanda S., and Robin completed the First Twenty Stories.
In April 2023, the Tucson Musician Series began with Jillian Bessett's sublime story.