Three Generations

THREE GENERATIONS

Age is a fascinating subject; we never stop growing even if our exterior begs to differ.  Inside we thrive on the experiences thrown at us.  Each journey is unique and ambiguous, yet our bodies all go through the similar changes of ageing, becoming fragile in our beauty.  Our memories become cushions of happiness and satisfaction, trying to remember only the best moments.

My grandparents’ house backs onto woods in Camberley, Surrey.  This has been home to my mother’s parents for the past 35 years.  The Camberley/Bagshot area is where both grandparents grew up and met and holds the key to many happy memories of my mum and uncle and now all six of us grandchildren too.  Our fondest memories however are of time spent together in the woods.  It is a large part of my grandparents’ lives as they walk three times a day with their dog Archie.

It was in these woods that my Grandad first taught my mum to ride her bike, that the perfect Christmas tree would be found by my uncle and mum and  where my brothers, sister, cousins and I first went sledging.  This space that remains so special to us, has in time been changing with our three generations, paths have been eroded and trees cleared, its destiny like ours is uncertain.

Now the youngest generation is growing older too, reaching late teens and 20’s, we make sure at least once a year (always my Grandad’s birthday) to catch up and enjoy our chilly night time walk.  Reminiscing through time, we repeat those special memories, never getting bored, terrified of one day forgetting.

As my grandparents become more fragile with age, I am projecting these special places inside, on objects, walls and surfaces – that represent their identity, safety – and enable them to cherish their woods, even if they aren’t able to get there. As they inevitably spend more time inside, on that special chair, reflecting on that sculpture and maybe in bed, their woods will still be bringing them precious joy.