invisible threads

2019 - present

“Invisible threads are the strongest ties” - Fredrich Nietzsche

Invisible Threads speaks to the connections we find through family stories and childhood memories. Through these images, I am able to recollect the stories my mother and grandmother told me when I was little, and to continue that narrative with my own daughter. These threads of connection between the past and the present help us see were all part of an ongoing narrative.

Invisible Threads is inspired by the stories, photographs, clothing and personal journals and books passed down through my family. The impetus for the project came from the discovery of my great grandmother’s wedding dress found, stuffed in a pillow case, in the back of a closet in my mother’s home. I began researching the history of that side of my family and the stories to be found in other items discovered in my mother’s home. This work is, as well, inspired by my daughter who was always been willing to spend time with me on this project - which, in itself, is the best part.

I hand print my images using the 19th century historic process, platinum palladium . I feel this type of printing adds to the message of history, story telling and time passing.

invisible threads

2018 - 2021

Invisible Threads speaks to connections and identity found through our family stories and childhood memories. The blending of past and present that helps us see we’re part of an ongoing narrative. Through these images I am able to piece together and remember the stories my mother and grandmother told me when I was young and to continue the family narrative with my own daughter. Photos from my mother’s bedside table, a fan belonging to a great grandmother, matching wedding bands, a forgotten portrait of a young girl. With the passage of time, the memories are handed down and we become the story tellers.

The prints in this collection have all been hand printed using the 19th century historic process, platinum palladium. I feel this type of printing adds to the message of history, story telling and time passing.

Atelier 33 | Julia Arstorp

In this highlight of the Atelier 33 exhibition, we interviewed Julia Arstorp about her collection Invisible Threads, on display in the Griffin Main Gallery until March 26, 2021. This series captures the deeply personal moments shared between the artist and her daughter while revisiting memories from her family’s past.

Which of these images was the impetus for this series? How did it inform how you completed the series?

I would say it’s the image of my daughter wearing a fur coat that belonged to my mother from the early 60’s. I very much feel this project was a collaborative effort with my daughter. I love how that photograph has the imprint of three generations and results in such a joyful image.

How has your photography changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic? Has the Atelier been a motivator to persevere through these trying times?

Before COVID I never took self portraits but with social distancing I had to place myself in front of the camera which, at first, was uncomfortable. Ultimately, I found that it added to the project and brought a different perspective on my work. I also found that focusing on a project about family history helped to anchor me during these stressful times. And, yes, the Atelier was a key motivator to keep me on track.

How has your Atelier work helped you to keep the family tradition alive of passing down stories to each generation?

I grew up on stories told by my grandmother and mother. And while clearing out my mother’s house, we found boxes that held pieces of my family history – everything form scrapbooks and letters to my great grandfathers spectacles and my great grandmothers wedding dress. This project allowed me the time to work on a body of work about these family memories and stories and, equally important, share the process with my daughter.

What do you hope we as viewers take away from viewing your work?

I hope my work speaks to the connections and identity we find through childhood memories and family stories. The blending of past and present that helps us see we’re part of an ongoing story.

Tell us what is next for you creatively.

I really see myself as both a photographer and a printer. I’ll continue working on new prints – mostly platinum palladium and cyanotype. I’ll also continue documenting the neighborhood and small knit community my family has lived in these past 30 years and continue focusing on family stories.