ROLLERCOASTER/ Scenes from a Marriage
ROLLERCOASTER/ Scenes from a Marriage is a cinematic exploration of the complexities and challenges that arise in long-term relationships. It began during the height of the pandemic when I was overwhelmed with a perhaps irrational fear of losing my husband Don to the virus. Photography was a way to express my emotions and cope with the uncertainty of the times.
At first, Don was hesitant to participate, but gradually I enticed him. Paying close attention to our environment, our day-to-day activities and how we interacted, dry, sarcastic, humorous moments emerged—as did mysterious, thriller-like scenarios. Then through storyboards, staging, lighting, and wardrobe, I began to plan each photograph, drawing on my background in theater. The process of creating these pictures was emotionally and physically complex, but it brought us closer together as a couple. We laughed, cried, fought, and loved through the experience.
As we now take a deep breath and share our body of work with the world, we're both aware of a sense of loss. But we're also grateful for the opportunity to create something meaningful and profound together.
Overall, our project has been an extraordinary ride that has allowed us to grow as individuals and as a couple. What started as a single experiment soon evolved into a much larger project that aimed to capture the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our 43-year marriage.
I am currently working on my first book with Kehrer Verlag in Heidelberg, Germany.
Website
www.aimeemccrory.com
Collaborating Artist
Aimee McCrory
