Reading your story helps me to understand your photography much better. The interweaving of the images with your words here is so strong. This last part especially resonated with me, because I had a similar experience growing up. I struggle to define "home" and I struggle to define myself. Self-reflection has become a bit of an obsession for me. I'm also neurodivergent, and that makes everything harder. But I love how healing creative expression can be. That's why I write poetry. And I love coming here to see how other creative people are healing themselves :)
This one, Manuela. “There wasn’t an obvious lack. From the outside, we were loved and cared for and had everything we needed, but on the inside my siblings and I struggled with something that has always been present and kept all of us from truly living a full life for a long time.” Like you, fear was front and center growing up. And, it wasn’t until I was living on my own that I began a journey of becoming who I am today. Thats probably why I respond to your work as we have, in some ways, lived parallel lives. It takes courage to share your story— thank you!
Just came back to reread this again. - Thank you for sharing Manuela! l Your writing does take bravery and also thoughtfulness as it is one that so many can relate to it.
I also find that it adds to my reading of your photographs (the image are beautiful and strong, and they certainly hint at a complex inner life, but i'm not sure i would have been moved as much by the photographs alone, had they not been accompanied by your words.)
Another lovely and moving piece, Manuela! I completely relate to so much of what you said. Especially about the subtlety of the lacking. I feel that my situation, though very different in some ways, was also quite similar in that sense emotional detachment and the way it leaves you feeling lost. I am so happy to see you working through these things and to read the wonderful insights you have into the process. Thank you for sharing! <3
Did we grow up together? All kidding aside your words speak to me so much because my experiences growing up were very similar to yours!
While reading this I kept nodding and thinking that’s exactly how I feel or felt and still working on. Growing really is a lifelong undertaking. I have done a lot of it in recent years, but feel like there is still learning and growing ahead of me.
So glad you're finally finding 'Home' now. Reading the linked article regarding your Dad and family's exodus from the East reminded me of my Mother's plight at the end of ww2. Unlike your family, though, she left Germany on her own for good back in the 50s, becoming a UK citizen when she married my Dad (starting a family some years later). Thank you for sharing. Take care.
This is so wise and powerful! I too, can relate to a lack of safety in my family of origin. As we heal these traumas we are changing the legacy of what gets passed down to out children. Your writing and photos are a testament to your healing. Warmly, Cindy
Reading your story helps me to understand your photography much better. The interweaving of the images with your words here is so strong. This last part especially resonated with me, because I had a similar experience growing up. I struggle to define "home" and I struggle to define myself. Self-reflection has become a bit of an obsession for me. I'm also neurodivergent, and that makes everything harder. But I love how healing creative expression can be. That's why I write poetry. And I love coming here to see how other creative people are healing themselves :)
Thanks so much for letting us know you.
Thank you so much for reading, Conny! I am so glad some parts resonated with you.
Yes, creative expression is very healing.
This one, Manuela. “There wasn’t an obvious lack. From the outside, we were loved and cared for and had everything we needed, but on the inside my siblings and I struggled with something that has always been present and kept all of us from truly living a full life for a long time.” Like you, fear was front and center growing up. And, it wasn’t until I was living on my own that I began a journey of becoming who I am today. Thats probably why I respond to your work as we have, in some ways, lived parallel lives. It takes courage to share your story— thank you!
Thank you, Stella!
I so appreciate your comment. I love connecting with people who can relate.
Just came back to reread this again. - Thank you for sharing Manuela! l Your writing does take bravery and also thoughtfulness as it is one that so many can relate to it.
Your story goes deep and it resonates.
I also find that it adds to my reading of your photographs (the image are beautiful and strong, and they certainly hint at a complex inner life, but i'm not sure i would have been moved as much by the photographs alone, had they not been accompanied by your words.)
Thank you. I'll subscribe to follow your work.
Thanks! I appreciate your comment.
Another lovely and moving piece, Manuela! I completely relate to so much of what you said. Especially about the subtlety of the lacking. I feel that my situation, though very different in some ways, was also quite similar in that sense emotional detachment and the way it leaves you feeling lost. I am so happy to see you working through these things and to read the wonderful insights you have into the process. Thank you for sharing! <3
Thank you so much Natalie! Always means a lot to receive a comment from you.
Did we grow up together? All kidding aside your words speak to me so much because my experiences growing up were very similar to yours!
While reading this I kept nodding and thinking that’s exactly how I feel or felt and still working on. Growing really is a lifelong undertaking. I have done a lot of it in recent years, but feel like there is still learning and growing ahead of me.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! ❤️
Susanne, I know we connected on here for a reason. How I would love to sit down for coffee and talk about this.
If you are coming to the States, Minnesota has some Great Plains as well. :)
Thank you so much for validating this. I know I wasn’t the only one.
That would be nice! I have been to Minnesota! But if I will ever return I will let you know! And should you ever be in Hamburg let me know! 😉
So glad you're finally finding 'Home' now. Reading the linked article regarding your Dad and family's exodus from the East reminded me of my Mother's plight at the end of ww2. Unlike your family, though, she left Germany on her own for good back in the 50s, becoming a UK citizen when she married my Dad (starting a family some years later). Thank you for sharing. Take care.
Thank you so much! I am always so curious to connect with people who can relate to these experiences. I know there are a lot of us.
This is so wise and powerful! I too, can relate to a lack of safety in my family of origin. As we heal these traumas we are changing the legacy of what gets passed down to out children. Your writing and photos are a testament to your healing. Warmly, Cindy
Thank you so much, Cindy! I appreciate your kind words.