Joyce and I have a strange story. Last September, on the first weekend after I started at Hallmark, my friends and I decided to explore Northampton, which was one of the closer towns. I happened to pass by Pinch, a store that hosted works by several local artists. The front windows were decorated by spoon chandeliers and believe it or not, folded books hanging on sticks. To me, they look like enormous origami encased in hardbound leather. I entered the shop, drawn to these pieces. Being a lit major, I've never seen such a beautiful desecration.
Stepping inside was a beginning to an interesting correspondence.
I ended up leaving all of my information with Meg, who works at the store, when she told me that these books were hand-made by a "little old lady." I didn't know what I was imagining or expecting at that time but I just knew that I needed to photograph Joyce with her beautiful books. How could she not be an interesting subject if she created these things? I didn't need to meet her to know that I wanted to photograph her. In the next 6 months, we ended up e-mailing back and forth, attempting to organize a photoshoot but it never happened because of random circumstances. The first time I called her, she thought I was a telemarketer and she hung up after saying, "No, sorry. I don't want to buy anything." Hilarious.
I can't tell you how happy I am that we finally did it after all these months of planning. Meeting her was like meeting an instant friend. She was lovely and warm, and actually quite spunky. The photoshoot went well to say the least. She was a natural at posing her hands and controlling her expressions. My job couldn't have been easier. :)
These two are my favorites but we tried many things. It's interesting going through the photos and seeing how two strangers could trust each other so easily. It was great. I am honored to have taken these.
