Photographer Melissa Mills captures 'invisible' bond between mothers and daughters
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Loading... - Omari Hussein
- 19 May 2023
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When Melissa Mills gazes at the magnificent sandstone cliffs of Carnarvon Gorge on the horizon, she senses a profound and invigorating energy infusing her body and soul. "I consider myself incredibly fortunate to call this place my home," expressed Ms. Mills. As a central Queensland photographer, she shares a deep ancestral connection to the gorge through her grandmother, Ghungulu Garingbal, and her grandfather, Bidjara. The Garingbal and Bidjara peoples are the traditional owners of Carnarvon Gorge, located 700 kilometers northwest of Brisbane. However, Ms. Mills explained that Aboriginal communities have utilized the gorge for trade and ceremonies for countless generations. "Within the vast expanse of this remarkable place, it is home to one of the largest Aboriginal cemeteries in the world. The sheer magnitude of what it contains is truly awe-inspiring," she added.
'A space of maternal strength'
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Mills embarked on a photography project at the gorge, capturing images of women to help them explore their sense of identity. Through her interactions, she discovered that the women's strongest bonds and narratives were rooted in their relationships with their children. After years of contemplation and dialogues with elders, she brought her project, Imprints, to life. Its objective was to depict the profound connection between mothers and their children. "The stories that have been passed down to me by my elders, uncles, and aunts always emphasized the strong feminine presence surrounding Carnarvon Gorge. It is a deeply matriarchal space," explained Ms. Mills. In March, Ms. Mills invited two non-Indigenous mothers and their children to participate, enabling them to share their stories and capture their unique bonds.
The embrace of maternal love
Lou-Anne Fleming, a mother from Rockhampton, and her daughter Ashleigh, 17, possess individual personalities, yet their interaction during the photoshoot reveals an undeniable connection. "She has an older brother, but the three of us share an exceptionally strong bond," Ms. Fleming acknowledged.
"While we have our challenging days, overall, we get along remarkably well." Ms. Fleming admitted that being photographed with Ashleigh pushed them both beyond their comfort zones. Nevertheless, she cherished any opportunity to spend quality time together. "Naturally, we embrace and hug each other, but posing and leaning into each other for the photoshoot made me think, 'Oh, she might hate me for this.' However, she was wonderful throughout," Ms. Fleming shared.
For both mother and daughter, the experience was extraordinary as they deepened their cultural awareness, learned about the gorge's history, and connected with Ms. Mills. "It is truly sacred. What a privilege and an honor to be asked to be a part of this," remarked Ms. Fleming. "I have a heart condition, and Ashleigh and I have spent time together, just the two of us, but I hope this experience will create lasting memories." A heartfelt moment with mom As part of the experience, Ms. Mills requested the mothers to write letters to their children, to be shared on the land. "[Mom] tells me everything that's in the letter every day, but it was genuinely touching," Ashleigh shared.
"She said, 'Now I have it in written form.' But I reassured her that I didn't need it because I already know." Ashleigh expressed that the encounter provided her with a fresh perspective on nature, history, culture, and her relationship with her mother. "This experience has brought us closer together. I will never forget it," she affirmed. "I love my mom and have immense respect for her. She doesn't care about what I do or who I am, as long as I'm happy. She's been telling me that since I was a child."
