What is Gained, What is Lost (2019)
“What is Gained, What is Lost,” records portraits of birds living in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Many of these birds will live out their days, and possibly even surpass their expected lifespan, in these facilities thanks to the care they receive. Once wild, free creatures, they now find their lives radically changed.
My father became a quadriplegic when I was somewhere between one and two. At the time of injury, doctors warned that he may only live another 28 years. He’s now on year 33. I have no recollection of him having the ability to move on his own. If given the choice again, he would make the same decision that led to this outcome, knowing full well he may find himself in the same position.
Through exploring images of birds in captivity and out in the world, I endeavor to create a space to process and understand the ideals, desires, and drives of my father and the ideas of my life with and without him.