Ten years on, the eyes have it
Wendy and I have been in Birtamod for the last few weeks, having a great and productive time. One small thing that we had on our ‘to do’ list was to update our headline photo that we always call ‘The Eyes’. We took this picture back in 2012, standing outside one of Samunnat’s previous, rented offices. I remember some back and forward (probably by email on a good internet day) with Cynthia Tinapple making suggestions about the picture. It became a signature image for us.
The Eyes 2012
Pramila and Sharmila have worked with polymer from the early days.
Time has moved on, of course. Since that first photo, Samunnat has built its own, permanent home. Some women have left damaging situations, some have rebuilt their lives, and some have learnt new skills and moved on. Others are taking first steps while some continue to struggle. And several women are flourishing as polymer artists. Samunnat is respected and known in its own community and known by many people across the world.
The old picture shows some necklaces that are no longer being made, as well as ‘stayers’ like the petal mala. So, we thought to take another photo that we might call ‘The Eyes 2022’. Pramila and Sharmila agreed to gather up a mix of new and older style necklaces and we set up the shot again, using a phone that was ten years better. It was a very poignant moment, hard to believe that ten years had passed, amazed at how little had changed – and knowing that so much has happened.
The Eyes 2022
Continuity and transformation
The eyes tell a story of resilience and creativity across ten years. None of us could have predicted that things would develop in the way they have. New stories, new creations, new challenges. And yet, the first reaction to the new photo was ‘It’s hardly changed!’. That is the truth of the photo: things can look the same yet be profoundly transformed. Despite everything that has happened, the times of elation and despair, there is a wonderful story unfolding that these eyes have watched and lived.