Through-Lines: Illuminating Ancestry
A Project by Andrea Guskin
Through-Lines offers custom created artwork that illuminates an individual or family's ancestral background. The artwork emerges from conversations between the individual/family and artist, Andrea Guskin. Using spices, herbs or plants that connect and resonate from their ancestry, the artwork forms through the design and arrangement of these spices onto a photo sensitive paper. The artwork may also include photographs and ancestral objects from their family line. Once the spices, herbs and objects have been exposed to light, an image will appear. In this way, the light creates an ancestral blueprint- honoring the client’s lineage and serving as a reminder of a continued presence in their lives.
Examples
Cyanotype in Process
This photograph is a digital negative of my great-grandmother Yetta surrounded by spices and seeds from her heritage.
Final Cyanotype
This image of my great-grandma was taken shortly after arriving in New York from Czechoslovakia in the early 20th century. Not long after this photo, her husband left her with six children and never returned. Her strength has been an inspiration to me.
Entangled Spices: Black & White Option
These images include clusters of spice particles from my own and my husband’s ancestral background: spices include garam masala, Za’atar, black pepper, kosher salt.
This is an alternative option; black & white process.
Final Cyanotype
This is a Cyanotype of my Grandpa Isador in the lab (he was a chemist and painter). I laid sesame seeds on top (a long time part of Jewish cooking) that developed in the sun to form this final piece.
Let’s Work Together!
From conceptualization to creation, I’m ready to work closely with you or your family to design your custom, one of a kind piece. I promise a client-specific approach that centers your cultural heritage, family of origin and of course, honors the emotional process of archiving, preserving & honoring your ancestor’s memory.
About Me & Details
Artistic Work
Learn more about my personal work here.
Locations
Oakland, California but can work remotely via Zoom with anyone in the U.S.
Payment
I offer two options in creating a piece for you or your family: a one-month runway & small scale piece or a three-month runway, larger piece. Contact me for pricing, details and scheduling.
Get in Touch
Contact me through the form above and we will schedule a free introductory Zoom. If you decide to move forward, we will work together via Zoom.