My younger sister Maggie and I have had an extremely close relationship for the past few years, but recently, there has been a wedge between us that we don't discuss. Even though she would never say it out loud, I know she feels bitter towards me for leaving her to go to college in a far away city while she still lives at home. This silent resentment is slowly drifting us apart, and this project is my attempt at showing the dynamic of our relationship and to hopefully resolve this issue in some way.
Maggie is four years younger and so different than me in every way except for looks. Within our family dynamic, she is kind, quiet, and forgiving; I am loud, fiery, and passionate. She has so many qualities that I only wish I had. In a lot of ways, I think of her as the purest and most innocent version of myself. As her older sister, I want to shield her from the hardships that I have faced while growing up; and in a way, protecting her feels like protecting my own innocence and childhood. I see her going through many of the same things I did at her age, and I want to guide her along and give her all of the advice I have. Contrary to that, however, I am so afraid of pushing her away. I want to help her without seeming hypocritical. I am trying my hardest not to lose her.
This project highlights the dynamic between us, and shows the transition from a close relationship to a more distant one. I use the process of creating photographs as a way of salvaging our relationship and showing to her that even though I moved away, I will always be there for her.
