I have lived in Decatur most of my life, leaving a couple of times for various reasons. I lived in downtown Atlanta for 14 years, honing my craft at King Plow Arts Center in a 10,000 square foot studio. After my son was born I moved back to Decatur, just a few blocks from where I had grown up myself. It was like returning home, many of the neighbors that had lived in the hood when I was a kid were still there. They were older, wiser, slower and seasoned, perfect companions for my 1 year old son who soon grew to love these folks in a way that only a grandchild can love a grandparent. I too saw these people in a different way, they were no longer parental figures but wizened beautiful folks that challenged my vision. Within the desire to capture their beauty I photographed my neighbors, the ones who had watched me grow up and were now watching my son. These are just a sampling of those photographs and some of the words these wise and wonderful people shared with me. I show these photos again here in this forum because 3 of these people are no longer with us and when spring comes and gardens begin to be planted I think of them, miss them and hope that wherever they are they know that we love and miss them everyday. Nelda (c)2011
