Let’s get “Real”! (and giveaway)
Recently a friend showed me a unique book that is just beautiful. Author Shelley Malcolm and photographer Terilee Dawn Ouimette teamed up on a collection of photographs and essays called Real.
Check it out:
I had a chance to catch up with Shelley about Real:
Thank you so much for stopping by my site today, Shelley. Your book Real is gorgeous. What prompted you to start this project?
Inspiration from a dream of similar images, that revealed the beauty in imperfections… the hand image is made beautiful by the life behind it, and it is a body part that is impossible to enhance or fake.
Is that why you chose the hands to symbolize a life lived?
The hand is more anonymous than a face or even eyes which show identity and emotion. Also, they portray our work, our affection, our worry, scars, and even our mistakes…
What is unique about Real?
I believe the concept is unique, the layout is different, and it feels like reading a yearbook or journal. It can easily serve as a devotional and it appeals to a widespread audience.
What do you hope the reader takes away after reading Real?
The simple pleasure of reading it, and more so, an appreciation of the beauty of authenticity of others or their own, and the “perfect plan of diversity”. You can read more about this in my article on diversity located here. Pg. 35
With Christmas coming up, why would Real make a great gift for anyone on your gift list?
Real is artistically beautiful, gentle and inspiring, and can be enjoyed by men or women of all ages. It is easy for all to relate to and feel comfortable with. The subject matter feels familiar, even though it’s new, and readers always relate and have something to say about their hands or their story. Real stimulates memories and discussion and has even been used in several ways: a memorial, a devotional, as a hostess gift, and other gifts of course.
For more about Real, visit www.marthamartha.net.
I think the idea of using hands & not faces is excellent. It makes the person more at ease to open & share truthfully & honestly giving a wonderful medium premise to this book. My hands would tell how much my son(now passd) lived his life with Love, never complaining of pain. My hands would tell how my son taught me&many others how to Live&Love w/nothing in return! Donna McGeary
My hands would tell you how I communicate with my son. They can laugh & tell a joke, be firm & authoritative, be loving & gentle. Even without the sign language I know my hands could do all this.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Amazement. This past summer we transferred a car title to our daughter. At the bank we three were required to be thumbprinted in the transfer book. I asked to see the prints after they were taken. My thumbprint was rounded, my husband’s was straight lines, and our daughter’s was… rounded and straight lined. Is that awesome or what!!
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net