Over 40s
Over 40s.
I first thought of this project several months ago, during several photoshoots with Mums who were juggling jobs and careers with busy home lives and their children.
I wondered if they ever had the time to talk about how they were, or if anyone ever had the time to ask them.
So I decided to use my camera in a way of hopefully making people feel seen, as well as listening to their stories if anyone wanted to share them with me.
This was a deeply humbling experience - as I learned very fast that being "seen" could be either very therapeutic, or very painful.
Some of these beautiful women came in and cried, and some laughed.
But the common thread was wanting to do something finally for themselves - after so many years of putting themselves last to their families, partners or children.
So, thank-you to all of you who took part. And thank-you for allowing me into a small part of your lives, albeit briefly.
With much love,
Kirsty
(Please note that some participants chose either not to have their image or text for their images shown.
Cheree Gordon
In Cheree's own words:
"This is me on the far side of forty, my eyes tell a story of loss and heartache, yet they also hold a spark of fierce independence and a readiness to help anyone in need. The lines on my face are not just signs of aging but are etched memories of battles fought and won, resilience in the face of adversity, and moments of profound love and sorrow. However, what you see, is not what I see.I see myself differently. I see the weariness from countless unhealthy relationships and the deep-seated fear of spending the rest of my life alone. I feel the sting of being overlooked for younger women and the exhaustion from raising two teenagers mostly on my own. Yet, there is also a fierce desire for adventure and joy as I approach my fifties, a longing to continue the fun and spontaneity that life has, at times, seemed to steal away. My heart, though scarred, remains open. My spirit, though tested, remains unbroken. As I look towards the future, I’m ready to embrace whatever comes next."
Brenda Pearson.
In Brenda's own words:
"My name is Brenda and when I was destroyed by someone who I thought was the love of my life in 2022, I realised I WASN’T destroyed-I was meant to go through something so devastating, so I would have the courage to peel back all the layers I had hidden, to start over and rebuild myself.
I decided to use my experience to turn myself into the best version of me, and at the same time, build my company into one of the most unique, heartfelt services that always put the participant first.
My company is thriving because my ‘soul’ purpose is to help people, help people and I am well on my way to making a difference in so many vulnerable people’s lives."
Alessandro Riccaldone
Colleen Betterman
In Colleen's own words:
"2019 was my worst year ever. I had separated after 18 years of marriage, I was going to lose my job in the early 2020s, which then became the start of Covid.
I then lost my niece to aggressive liver cancer (she was 51 years old - she was like my little sister), then my mother in-law passed away.
Then my 18 year old family pet dog was put down, and I was diagnosed with diverticulitis.
But I have resilience and strength given to me by my mother (who passed in 2020 aged 95) - she is my hero and inspiration!"
Donna McGhie
Heather Shilling
Jenny Bullimore
Jenny worked at a college for 13 years and was then made redundant 6 years ago.
Jenny decided to start volunteering at the Share the Dignity charity, where disadvantaged women are given menstrual products if they are struggling.
https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/about
Jenny is a vivacious, lovely soul who has a passionate energy for life
Kristy Waterhouse
Kristy is on the brighter side of a life changing time in her life (through no decision of her own). She is extremely resilient, very kind and is holding her head high with the help and pride of her 2 lovely daughters.
Marianne Clelland
Robyn Sable
In Robyn's own words:
"I'm a child of a refugee and live alongside a battle with complex PTSD from generational and childhood trauma who keeps picking herself up and trying to break cycles for my kids."
Robyn is a fierce protector of her family, and is also extremely independent .
Sharon Thomson
In Sharon's own words:
"The loss of 4 pregnancies 25 weeks…
41 weeks stillborn
11.5weeks… twins
7 weeks…
I told my husband i cant do it anymore the heart ache
I have 5 Angel Babies
With the grief I gained more weight.I used to stay in bed all day and set my alarm 30 minutes before my husband got home so he didn’t even know till recently my husband NEVER said a thing!
For 7 years have had bone on bone in my right knee I need a knee replacement but I’m trying to avoid it! I started to go out and about with friends… one day I was in an op shop looking at clothes and I found a beautiful top my friend said to me “that won’t fit you! YOUR bigger than me!
I bought that top anyway!
On the 26th April 2022, I tested POSITIVE for COVID-19 was seriously ill and months later was diagnosed with “Long Covid”.. for 12 months couldn’t stay awake for more than 2 hours a day I just kept fighting every day to get well again.
I lost 20kg when I was so ill but put on 3kg back on. If it hadn’t been for my friend Shaz I wouldn’t have got through the last 2 years
From March 2023 my 2nd journey started back to Good Health & focusing on myself I started on “Lady Shakes” & have lost 43kg so far so a MASSIVE 60kg in 2 years!"
Sonia Mills
Sonia is a bright light when you enter a room. Her laughter, energy and enthusiasm for life is contagious. And since turning 40, Sonia is finally starting to do things for herself :-)
Toni Warburton
Toni has suffered significant losses in recent years, and I was humbled to be told the stories of what she has been through.
She is an amazing, kind and brave woman who is always doing things for other people.