At the very end of 2022, I had the privilege of photographing my grandmother at 100 years old — just five days before she passed away.
Having her in front of my camera was such a profound experience that I’m not sure I can fully express what it meant to me.
But I’ll try…
She was already quite fragile, gently saying her goodbyes day after day.
There was no illness, no dramatic reason — just the natural rhythm of life unfolding.
And yet, I found so much beauty in that.
All the strength and depth I always talk about — the beauty that exists in every stage of our lives — I could see it clearly, etched in every wrinkle of her face.
Each line told the story of someone who had lived a full life. A hard life, yes, but a beautiful one.
With the very first clicks of my camera, I began to understand where many of the inspirations in my work truly come from:
The elegant way she crossed her legs, the calm placement of her hands on her lap, her graceful posture, that steady gaze.
That quiet serenity of simply being.
(Anyone who has ever been photographed by me will understand exactly what I mean.)
How inspiring it was to recognize her presence within my art.
How inspiring it was to find her in me — after so many years believing we were so different.
Photography does that sometimes… it reveals truths we didn’t know we were carrying.
From her, I carry more than just the iconic ring I inherited.
I carry her stubbornness — the courage to do what I truly want.
I carry her immense strength, the kind capable of carrying the world on its back.
I carry her fierceness.
I carry her strong gaze — one that hides poetry behind the eyes.
Like her, both my mother and I have tough skin and tender hearts.
And thanks to her inspiring existence, we’ve learned how to endure so much.
Thank you for inspiring me to live, Grandma.
Despite everything.
Despite so much.
It was a gift — to finally share with you a part of what you inspired me to build. 🖤
Watch the behind-the-scenes video of the photoshoot – [CLICK HERE!]
