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During the summer of 2009 I was helping my mother prepare to move again. As we were packing up her photographs and dishes, she told me that she had decided to give away her teacup collection, dividing it up between her daughters, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. Always fascinated by these teacups that I was never allowed to touch, the threat of losing the collection inspired me to document them. I wanted to know who gave her each one, why, and when. As I began photographing them I asked her to tell me the story behind each one. Much like when I ask her about my childhood, she couldn't remember. Like many large families, milestones blend together. It's often hard for her to distinguish between memories of my childhood and my sisters.'

Like the teacups, there are family secrets and legacies that have always captivated me. Whether talked about in whispers, or presented with pride, these stories are as intriguing to me as the teacups. Tattered, faded, and forgotten photographs trigger memories that are as intricate and fragile as the teacups.

Teacup Secrets pairs photographs of my mother's antique teacup collection with old family photos and snapshots to explore the dysfunction, tragedy, joy, and triumph of family. By pairing discarded snapshots with the formal and elegant teacups, it raises them to a higher level of importance and imbues them with a sense of reverence and ceremony that befits them.

View more of Eileen’s work online at eileenmacaverykane.com

© 2009-2011 Eileen MacAvery Kane