11907 Mississippi (working title) is a series of photographs of the last days my Grandparents spent at their home before moving out due to health and aging. Grandpa Art is a very gifted woodworker and 11907 is his greatest work, a red house built across the street from the Mníšošethąka (Mississippi River).

A proud first-generation American with Swedish parents, he was recognized for his woodworking skills at a young age. It makes me smile to know that we both had our art form to guide us through young adulthood. Recently he shared that his favorite wood is mahogany and that the best part of woodworking is “the joy of it”. He is now 91 years old and he has been a cancer patient for over 10 years.

This series was a reflection on our healthcare system, legacies, land ownership and gender roles in families. This series was also a gift to my family, a thank you, a difficult goodbye, and a reflection on love. This house is a beautiful place of comfort that I was very lucky to know.