On Seeing, A Journal. #457
Growing Up: Marquis Hughes
Wednesday, December 1
7 years and 24 years
I have studied over 200 children from childhood into their 20’s. I began with some when their mothers were pregnant, and others, as was the case with Marquis, started about the time they could read and write. For all of them I made annual studio portraits and asked them to write answers to a series of questions, a kind of diary about their lives, their feelings, their hopes, their regrets.
I looked forward to seeing Marquis each year. He was so sweet, sincere and full of fun.
6 years old
7 years old
8 years old
9 years old
10 years old
11 years old
12 years old
13 years old
15 years old
16 years old
22 years old
24 years old
It was so wonderful seeing you every time you came, Marquis.
I recall your interest in tennis and am sorry we never had the opportunity to “hit.”
I feel certain your life will continue to be fulfilling and joyful.
And, please do return in a few years.
The “Growing Up “Project:
I am interested in everything about human development. I am fascinated by maturation, growth, emotional, educational and physical development. My exploration, a major 30 year odyssey, has been an adventure that has yielded riches beyond my imagining.
Permission was signed by the parents of each and every child every year, and by the participants themselves once they turned 18. In addition, we’ve now sent copies of all of their writings and edited photographs to the participants for whom I have finished all my editing and have received full written permission from that group to publish and post.
