Hw2

Transformation Essay: The Brown Sisters

(Include one photograph in the title page)

By Elisa Wiedeman

Art 100

March 30, 2014

Introduction: Explain your project (place, time, and subject matter)

My transformation project includes 20 photographs of the Brown Sisters. They

photographs were taken each spring at Long Beach, California. The black and white

prints are arranged chronologically and the sisters are positioned similarly within each

photograph. Recognizable elements include the sisters in the foreground, a meadow with

flowers in the middle ground, and a fringe of trees in the background. The photographs

were taken with a Nikon single reflex camera and required the traditional film processing.

Thesis Statement:

I think that the photo series reveals the diversity, frailties and strengths of a

family over time.

I see that within the first five photos, the sisters possessed a look of confidence.

Mary and Dora hold their heads high and stand looking straight into the camera, while

Pamela and Christine look off into the distance. All four sisters appear content and aware

of each other’s presence.

Time

Time affects us all and I think that the photographs demonstrate the physical and

emotional effects of time. For example, photographs ten through fifteen reveal two

pregnancies. This makes me contemplate birth and growth from childhood to adult. The

range of hairstyles that shift and change within the photographs also signify the passing

of time. Three of the sisters appear to embrace hairstyle changes more readily. The styles

include short, blunt cuts as well as long, natural locks.

Time is also apparent through the changing light within each image. Seven of the

images suggest that the sun is setting. For me, sunsets are a time for contemplation and

reflections. These images bring to mind my own affinity with sunsets. For me, sunsets

are a time for contemplation and reflection—especially when the angle of the light

reflects off of the ocean’s surface and light dances into darkness between the hours of 6

and 8 p.m.

Strength

To me families are one of the strongest entities on this planet. The photo series

embody the strength of families. For example, the sisters always stand closely,

sometimes even embracing each other. All of the photographs include overlapping

figurative shapes of sisters. Strength always most always includes a bond among many

elements in order to endure the forces of nature and internal stress. For example,

Frailty

The photo series also brings to mind the frailty and mortality of the human race.

Frailty is evident through the sisters’ changing skin texture, thinning hair, and eyes.

Within the first seven photographs all four show no signs of wrinkles or worry. Yet in

the last ten, the rate of change seems to take place more quickly and visibly. Some say

that the eyes of the “mirrors into the soul.” If you look into the Brown sisters’ eyes, you

see distinct similarities that cause me think about the trials and tribulations that they must

have gone through. The eldest sister’s eyes appear to age the most. This makes me

contemplate the responsibility that is usually placed on the eldest siblings. I am the

oldest brother in my family, and I assisted my mother with the care and responsibilities of

my two younger brothers for the first twelve years of my life. In fact, I checked their

homework and packed their lunches for three years. The photos cause me to think about

the responsibilities that the oldest sister must have been burdened with.

Diversity

The photographs also reveal distinctly different personalities as well as fashion

preferences. For example, the eldest sisters prefer casual attire---which explains shorter

haircuts. The youngest sisters predominantly wear collared shirts and rings. The photo

series also reminds me of the diversity that exists within my own sibling relationships.

For example, my sister, Susan plays the role of mother, guardian, and caregiver. My

sister Karen possesses a free spirit and lives each moment to its fullest. The diversity

awards families with a range of experiences and opportunities that enriches lives.

Conclusion

Use a good quote in the conclusion and restate your thesis statement:

“Time does not wait for anyone.” I’ve always loved this quotation. I’m not

sure who originally made this statement. But the words hold a lot of

meaning to me. Time allows you to plan for the future, but doesn’t allow for

making up for what’s was lost in the past. Time serves as a bond among

people, and the sisters clearly understand and demonstrate that bond.

Love and compassion are usually easier to experience. But, I believe that

forgiveness is the most important human characteristic. After reviewing the

Brown Sisters photographs, I can only imagine the range of conflicts,

misunderstandings, and jealousies that probably occurred over thirty-six

years. Forgiveness may have been instrumental in keeping the sisters close

and in touch. Finally, the Brown Sisters series gives me hope that my own

short existence on this earth will be filled with simple pleasures, family

support, and few good friends.