I began this photography series when I turned 50. The challenges in my life left me feeling more accomplished, determined, adventurous and more comfortable in my skin than ever before. However, I still felt as if I was disappearing.
Society places so much power in youth and physical beauty, but I began to realize there was also a strength in age and my own invisibility. I started the series by grappling with my feelings on the subject and then slowly turned to the many ways I saw other women dealing with the issue of feeling unseen, overlooked and patronized, yet also enjoying some of the most powerful years of their lives.
Contradiction is a running theme in my photos. In my photography, you will see all sorts of women represented. My face is always obscured so I feel like I can portray an array of viewpoints. So much female power throughout history has been behind the scenes, therefore, I strive for a voyeuristic perspective. I often want the subject to unapologetically take up space. Sometimes I want her to feel like she is hiding. In many cases she is making a mess. I want you to always wonder what she is up to.
Many of the props and ideas have come from individuals who relate to my work, fueling the creativity. I’ve acquired a large collection of high heels. Most have come from women interested in taking part in this project. There is an absurdity about stilettoes. They are a symbol of female empowerment, yet we cannot run in them. They are a grand symbol of femininity, yet they are extremely uncomfortable. They are a weapon, but they make us literally unstable.
I know I’ve created a successful photo when the cries of misogyny equal the cries of feminism.