On Seeing, A Journal. #431
Growing Up: Matthew S.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
9 years and 25 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 Matthew, 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 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.
I looked forward to seeing Matthew each year. He was so full of energy and joy, and, because of his interest in cameras and creating, I felt a special connection with him. He seems, so far, to be on a path to fulfilling his dream of making movies.
8 years old
9 years
10 years
11 years
12 years
13 years
14 years
15 years
17 years
18 years
19 years
25 years
8 to 25 years of Growing Up
It was so wonderful seeing you every time you came, Matthew.
I feel certain your life will continue to be fulfilling and joyful.
How about send me a link to one your current creative projects?
And, please do return in a few years.
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.
