My Father’s Daughter // Soldiers Rd Portraits

 

I had an opportunity recently to have my portrait taken by Soldiers Rd Portraits, two beautiful women from New Zealand who specialize in vintage traditional Maori portraits. To call this a special experience would be quite an understatement. You see, my Maori culture is something that I have always held so closely in my heart and cherished. Maori is a part of who I am – my make up – but as an American child born to interracial parents, I would be lying if I said that Maori has always been how I’ve felt.

On the day I had my portrait taken, I snuck away to the bathroom to have a look at myself alone for a bit. It was a sweet moment in which I thought about my grandmother and the beautiful traditional Maori portrait of her I’ve grown up admiring. I wondered if anyone would think I looked like her. In true form, I let a few tears fall as I admired the ta moko on my chin and the piupiu draped across my shoulder. For the very first time in my life, I KNEW the Maori girl staring back at me. I’ll never forget that quiet moment.

Today I received this finished portrait from Soldiers Rd. I immediately recognized myself, of course, but to my surprise I immediately caught a glimpse of my father too. I’ve been told all my life that I look “soooo much like my mother”, and I’m proud of that, my mother is the most beautiful woman I know. But today was a sweet reminder that I am also my father’s daughter - a part of him - and he has given me beautiful reasons to be proud of that too.

Photo Credit: Soldiers Rd Portraits