Passing Place is an intimate portrait of both my mother and the ex- mining village I grew up in the West of Scotland after emigrating to America at a young age. This series deals with separation, space and the invisible family bonds that exist despite physical distance incurred by geographical displacement.
The name is inspired by one-lane rural roads with wide spots that are common in Scotland, allowing vehicles to pass each other and continue on their journey.
These photographs and memories made on annual visits home since the mid 90's, are a testimony to my upbringing and a gentle reminder that absence creates longing and nostalgia across the miles. I wanted to make a record of everyday domestic rituals and routines during the rare times we spent together, to distill time with the portending passing of my mother in 2016.
By uniting my photographs with the ephemera and family photos left behind by mum, I am striving to fill the void by retracing our lives, embracing my formative years we spent together and absorbing the ones we lost.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() Blackpool pleasure beach with mum |
![]() Biscuit tin of photos |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() Mum and Aunt Marion 1946 and 2011 |
![]() Family Photo. Mum on camping trip |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() Family photo. Mum's wedding day |
![]() | ![]() Alexander, age 10 |
![]() Swing Park with Bonfire |
![]() Uncle Tom's Ashes |
![]() Who Fucks Mongos? |
![]() untitled |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() Polis Station |
![]() BMX ramp |
![]() stabbing evidence |
![]() Flitting |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() Bingo Numbers |
![]() Mum in garden 2 |
![]() | ![]() Scottish Beef |
![]() | ![]() Prayer Book 2 |
![]() Sing song at social club |
![]() Mum in back garden |
![]() Slippers and football keyring |
![]() The Perfect Car For Me |
![]() Bingo |
![]() | ![]() Mutt Mitts |
![]() Mum watching Tour De France |
![]() Mary Doll in Rangers top with Glenn |
![]() Mary Doll in Rangers top with Heather |
![]() Prayer book 1 |
![]() Bunting |
![]() | ![]() Crutches |
![]() Falsers and vase |
![]() Mum in bed |
![]() | ![]() Path obstructed by tree |
![]() Mary tattoo |
![]() Untitled |
![]() Bedside table |
![]() Family photo. Kids on mum's wedding day |