On Seeing, A Journal #486
Growing Up: Matthew Copperman
July 19, 2022
4, 27 and 30 years old
I have studied over 200 children from childhood into their 20’s. I began with some when they were newborn, as with Matthew. 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 very much enjoyed seeing Matthew, each time we returned to San Francisco to continue the “Growing Up” project I had started in 1990.
4 days old
4 years old
10 years old
12 years old
13 years old
15 years old
17 years old
21 years old
23 years old, a note from his mom
25 years old, a note from his mom
27 years old
27 years old, a note from his mom
30 years old
30 years old
I had written his mother asking her permission to include her three notes to me.
She wrote back the following:
“Of course!
“I’m still so very proud of “them.” They are now non-binary and living in Sweden for 2 years. They look even more beautiful and at ease with themselves.
“We were close while he was growing up, but he also kept secrets and self-edited. I thought I created an environment and home where he could be free to express himself however. We spoke openly of gay and transgender because of a treasured and beloved cousin who lives nearby and is Trans. And my best friend from Mills College has a Trans son now. We talked of this as a family a lot.
“I know he was excited and nervous to have his shoot this year. I wonder how much he’ll share?
“Thank you for capturing my child.
“Much love, appreciation and affection,
Helene, aka Matt’s proud mom”
It was good seeing you every time you came, Matt.
I hope your life will continue to be fulfilling and joyful.
Best of luck in Stockholm, and please keep in touch.
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I am interested in everything about human development, fascinated by maturation, growth, emotional, educational and physical development. This exploration has been a major 30 year odyssey, an adventure that has yielded riches beyond my initial 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 have 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 permission from that group to publish and post.
