Suzanne Mejean

Remember when we used to post? Haha.. just kiddin, but really I would love to see new discoveries and thoughts and new work :)

Suzanne Mejean is a person that I have come across recently where I have a serious and contemplative emotional connection with. She filmed a documentary entitled "Still Here", which depicts families of soldiers who's fathers and husbands are deployed. I really feel like she captures some of the emotions which you wouldn't see, or even know. I do think of the soldiers that are deployed often, and we always pray for them at the dinner table, but we need to include thier families as well, because there have to be A LOT of families that cope with this every day.

Here's a part of her film statement:

The life-sized portraits become flattened bodies turning fathers from images into objects of affection. The image-memory is held in place but when everyday life comes to a standstill how does one picture the tensions and fears that surface when talking about death, loss or desperate times?

You can also read her essay on the photographic work she did if you are interested, otherwise take some time to browse her website and look at the film stills and photographs.




For some reason the first one makes me all teary eyed. To think that some children don't get that connection with their fathers or mothers for a few years is hard to think about. Just thinking of that little boy who might be 2? He might not have a huge picture of who is father is if he has been gone. The middle picture when the subject is the cutout really strikes me because it represents him, and he is the subject of the picture. I couldn't look at that image and think cardboard.. even though that is what it is. I really repsect those who decide to serve in the military when it comes to families. Not to say I single them out, I am thankful for everyone who makes this life decision. It would be such a different feeling if I couldn't see my dad for a year and only get phone calls, letters and e-mails. Thankfully with today's technology communicating has gotten easier. I am really glad that she explored this though, because I know I am not the only one who is curious.