Whether it was acknowledged or not, I’ve felt sadness in my heart for a long time. In 1975 my family moved to Traverse City, and we’ve called it home since. If you grew up in Traverse City hopefully you have fond memories. I know I do. However, the move to Traverse caused a significant separation from our extended family in the Detroit area. In 1975 I was four years old and didn’t realize we moved away from grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Over the years we would travel to Detroit for special holidays and for weddings, but there was always a separation. And each time we visited the family grew bigger and bigger and more unfamiliar.
In the last few years there have been many celebrations and sorrows with my family in Detroit. As we gathered, I feel that sadness in my heart, noticeably bigger and a little deeper. Some family I couldn’t name or recognize. The distance palpable as I don’t know the back stories, the fun times, the fights, or struggles. Unpleasantly separate.
In 2021, I set off to heal that sadness. If only a little. I reached out to each of my cousins and asked about their lives and if they’d send a picture of themselves (I’m not on social media). I asked if I could paint their portrait. In my mind, painting a portrait meant spending time with them. I could stare at their face (literally for hours) and learn the lines, the eyes, and features. And maybe, over time I could identify my cousins and embrace them and call them by name.
It has taken me over two years to start and complete this quest. I have 55 first cousins (or maybe 55 cousins have me), three brothers, one sister and myself. 60 cousins total. I’ve had two art classes in my life and prior to 2021, had never painted a portrait.
Someday I’d like to talk about the painting journey that caused me fits, tears, laughter, doubt and most of all, joy. Until then, I’d like to introduce you to my beautiful cousins.
To see more portraits, please click on the “portrait” tab. Thanks!
