winter2020eveningbeginningphoto

Being a 17-year-old lesbian in March of 2020 can be tricky in terms of where I am mentally, physically and spiritually. With that, I don’t have any kind of sense of where I am or what I need/should do. Having my identity is something I can take with me anywhere and change any time I please. Ever since 2014, my life has been nothing but overwhelming chaos. Nothing seems right, my childhood stripped from me at a young age, family being someone you can’t really rely on when you need them. It was at that point where I look back to and think about how in times of emotional distress, I don’t find myself anywhere. Everything is colorless, when in reality, I’m anywhere and everywhere, full of color. I’ll still ask myself Where Am I? But that’s okay. I’m only 17.

Seattle iPhone Photos

Phone Photography

Sense of Place Afton Neal

For my sense of place, I hope to capture still photos of my grandparents old cabin house. Located on harstine island, their quaint little single story home was something to behold. Accompanied by a log cabin built by my father and his father, their property was situated at the end of a long winding gravel driveway, isolated by the many arching trees that hung over head. Growing up I would visit my grandparents often, spending most of my time in the forest, breaking apart tree branches and wandering along side the many twisting trails and creeks. I spent a lot of time working away in my grandfathers workshop as well. Where my grandfather and I were able to bond over the creation of many strange objects and gadgets, that were thoughtfully put together using the assorted materials he had laying around. I remember waking up, and the early mornings being filled with the melancholy songs of chirping birds, with their pleasant calls echoing through the forest like a symphony. I hope to capture the essence of my childhood, where I was able to find myself lost deep in those woods. Where I was able to forge many fond memories that still sit vividly in my mind, hoping to reminisce about the good times spent with family members who are no longer here.