In an effort to further inhabit my grandmother's memories as a young wife, I began an autobiographical, photographic record of my experiences with her recipe journal. The Hostess Project is as much a social experiment as a nostalgic experience. I dress in her clothing, prepare meals based on her hand-written recipes, serve invited guests, and perform the role of hostess. I prepare dishes based on her hand-written instruction: her recipes. Aspics, croquettes, meatloaf with pickle and egg garnish . . . And I photograph the results. This article describes the origins of The Hostess Project and explores the relationship between time and memory, photography and memory, and food and memory.
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