As time progresses and religious holy days approach, I started to think more about the importance of Easter and faith, especially during the global pause that CO-VID 19 has caused. My family, the majority of family friends, have a strong hold on faith that I can see both at home and around our community.

At home, I have noticed how my parents, regular Sunday mass-goers, have turned to prayer. Everyday there is a regular time for gathering and praying, as well as tuning in for the daily services held by Pope Francis in Rome.

Around my neighborhood I have also noticed how religion is an important part life for many other families. From Lenten and Easter decorations and symbols of faith on houses, front yards, windows… I appreciate the time people take to remind themselves as well as others of the importance of faith, a sign of hope.

I start with a photo of Clinton, my dog, because the virus has been a consistent reminder of how we must stay inside – including him – and do our part even as the days become more pleasant. I’ve tried to then capture moments from rituals I have noticed at home, sights during walks in the neighborhood, the uplifting messages of other neighbors and the hopeful progression of spring. At the moment, I feel the consistency in my family is holding on to the comfort of being together and the realness of our faith as the world tackles the virus.

I decided to dedicate this project to my Nana (great-grandmother) Grace Holman. She lived 95 amazing years and I spoke to her for the last time before she was called home on April 5th. I titled this work Resurrection after death for many reasons as it reflects on the loss of my nana, my spirituality, and Native American Heritage. To make these things real I depicted my emotions, identity and spirituality masked behind very vivid and intense imagery.

My nana was a full-blooded Wampanoag woman who shared her culture with my family and made it known that we should be prideful in who we are. Many people look at me and don’t see this part of my identity despite its great influence on who I am today. I wanted to make this real and visible in these images. Spirituality and connection with the land is a major value within my culture. Although I identify as a Christian, I turn to nature to connect with my ancestors. In nature is where I feel most grounded and connected with them and now her.
As I mourn my great-grandmother’s death, I am also forced to think about my Christian identity as this week is the holy week; marking Jesus’ death and resurrection.

During this time, resurrection after death symbolizes the light at the end of the tunnel. It reminds me that even after great loss, blessings are born. For me, this project has revealed to me the merging of the visible and invisible with spirituality. I have comfort in knowing that my grandmother is always with me and I will one day be with her again. I have hope that this is the fire, but from the ashes, something beautiful will be revealed. I will grow from this and carry on her legacy.