Still a Family...

Well, it's official! I am a graduate of Montana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. Below I share some of my Senior Thesis project. Be sure  to read the Artist Statement at the end of the Photographs. 

Still A Family...

Still A Family…

Two years ago, my definition of family consisted of a mom and dad and 9 children ranging from newborn to 22 years, and all, except for the oldest, living under one roof. We spent almost all of our time working, schooling and eating together. I would never have imagined becoming a single mom, going to school and supporting the 6 children that are still at home presently on my own. But life does not always go as we plan. And the storm that had been brewing for years made its way to shore and blew up what we had come to know as family. Now we face the aftermath of the storm and putting it all back together.

For this project, I set out to photograph the absence of the father in our home and what that has meant. Those who did not know us before may not notice the changes in our lives. Many would not know that seeing my children at school or riding bikes and skateboards was uncommon before. Piles of laundry and dirty dishes left in the sink would not necessarily be a sign of him being gone. My son cooking doesn’t scream "no dad." The photographs can't show his absence. What I found was that I could only capture what is present- the activities: laughing, playing, crying and living out life.

As I began photographing my family I realized I had become disconnected from my children. I was not spending time with them even when I was home because it felt like something was missing. I avoided alone family time. I had to force myself back into my own domain. Now as the storm has calmed, I am finding peace in what is still here. And through these images, I have found that we are STILL A FAMILY!


Terri R. Spray