Monday 27 January 2014

4: Lina


Portraits - the Motherhood series. 

Lina and Sam live in a village in Siem Reap with their two sons (aged six and four), two nieces, a nephew and are expecting their third child, a baby girl due in May. I was invited into their home after I told Sam about my portrait project. As we approached, the children came running out to greet us, clearly overjoyed to see their father/uncle. The youngest had been sick with a stomach bug the day before so he was quiet and stayed close to his mother. 

In their home, necessities simply cannot be taken for granted. Lina uses a small wood burning stove to cook for the family in a kitchen best described as basic. A kitchen that is underwater for a few months each year during the wet season. Lina explained how the cost of living was ever increasing. When someone is ill, the medicine required may very well take the place of food for the family. It's incredibly confronting to see young families faced with such pressure, living day to day.

Lina spoke tenderly to the children, her smile warm and generous. She spoke English well and seemed happy to share and connect. I took a polaroid camera and gave Lina and the kids the photos to keep. I'll never forget the look on her face when she saw the image of herself and her husband, they clearly love each other deeply. They are a team.

You can view all of my portraits from 2013/14 by clicking on the Portrait Series links on the right sidebar of this page.

Belinda x

3 comments:

  1. What a lovely way to do this project!!! I'm very much looking forward to following your 52 portraits!

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  2. So moving. We forget how lucky we are. A beautiful photo.

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  3. Ohh, can't wait to follow your series

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Thanks for your comment, so nice to hear from you. Belinda x

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