| Visits with Gideon 1991-2011 |
“Madam, it’s time to move on with your life. He’s an adult making his own choices and decisions.” With this, the counselor at Alternatives, a drug rehab program in Montreal, ended my 3rd consult early in 1994, after I learned that my 20-year old son was dealing with addiction. It was perhaps the most valuable piece of advice I received. I needed to get my own life back and let him figure out his. I always knew, though, that however difficult I found the situation, his struggle was greater. This collection of photographs, taken on our visits since Gideon set out on his own when he was 18, recalls One in five..., photographer as single mom, a project completed in the early 1990s. As in that project, the images, as well as what’s missing between them, resonate. We did not meet when he was in Colorado or L.A.; nor in Buckeye, Ohio; Deer Creek, Indiana; Portland, Oregon; Victoria or Nelson, BC; Austin, Texas, Seattle and likely other locations as well. One visit is missing. Strangely, I have no photos from Gideon’s trip to Montreal in autumn 2000. Maybe circumstances did not permit photographing or I didn't feel up to it; maybe the film was lost or negatives ruined. I wish I could recall - it's unusual. From Gideon’s comments on Visits with Gideon 1991-2011: I'm very touched. It means a lot to be able to see the different phases of my life in a linear progression through your lens. I'm so happy you're doing this... Looking at these photos is providing me with a bit of a clearer perspective on my situation... I can't say it’s not a tiny bit painful to see the evidence of my constant seesawing throughout my life but I’m coming to terms with it. March 2012 |
