Melissa Stewart

“Through the Album”, seeks to revive the tactile nostalgia and profound emotional connection found in the act of sharing family photography.

These shared moments and the uncovered stories, remain the primary inspiration and influence throughout my work. I want to preserve the intimacy of this experience, by engaging with visual story telling to bridge my family’s past, present and future.

My collection acts as an insight into the family photo album, documenting lives raised in industrial Glasgow – journeys defined by the immersion in a world of dance and movement. Two pillars that are central to my work, where I draw inspiration from fluidity to structure.

The creative and technical process of transferring my photographs onto metal is intentionally unpredictable, the outcome resists complete control. Much like a singular snapshot, there is only one opportunity to capture the moment, producing a technique that yields imperfect, candid moments, which feel as raw and honest as the memories they hold.

Within my “album” each box signifies a new chapter, a vessel revealing new stories and lives to be shared. Resulting in a journey of a never ending archive that continues to evolve as each memory is uncovered.