Five years ago, Sharon Smith approached me about making a calendar as a fund raiser for Gilds's Club Simcoe Muskoka. I helped as best I could to map out expectations and timeline, but could not participate as a photographer due to my own shooting commitments. This time around the Writer's and SAG strike afforded me the time and I was given the honour of working with Corri and Jess.
When I read Corri and Jess’ stories about their cancer journey, I was struck by how immediately one discovers what is truly important… life… and the desire to preserve it, so that you can continue to share it with those you love.
As Jess was being proactive, I asked her if she would like me to make a portrait with her prior to her mastectomy. I had done this once before as a friend of ours wanted to remember what she was like prior to her operation. Jess agreed immediately, and we were both very pleased with the results. It also cemented our relationship as collaborators, which I felt was helpful when I proposed the calendar image I wanted to make with Corri and Jess.
I recalled a book by Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Mists of Avalon, and I wanted to make an image of Corri and Jess, not only as biological sisters, but sisters under the Goddess, embodied as warriors under a common fight, and an inspiration to others that face or will face a similar battle. In the image, I positioned Corri in front of Jess, as she was older, had faced cancer before Jess, and as in life led the way for Jess, helping to raise and guide her.
For the image I returned to the Simcoe forest, a location I had shot in before. Jessica Rosati was my on set digitech and contributed helpful posing tips. Using Artem smoke machines borrowed from Mike Innanen, a special effects expert, my assistants Bob Munroe and Susan Exton Stranks fogged the background, creating a mist that to my mind gave Corri and Jess angels wings.
While some images we made have the girls smiling, it is in this, my favourite of them all that I see the indomitable nature of Corri and Jess, strong and fierce, and undeniably feminine.
If you would like to purchase one of these calendars, you can go online www.gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org click fundraising event then click on online purchase or you pick up a calendar at Connect Hair Studio in Barrie or the Gildas Club location. Calendars are $25. Gilda’s Club provides a wide variety of support to cancer patients and their families.
