'Hats Off' display featured at Artitudes

Press release

Artitudes Gallery featured artist for June and July is Jason Geer, a photographer. 

"Hats Off" is a collection of photos of hats worn by people who have passed on and letters written about memories of their loved ones.

Artitudes is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

'Hats Off'

by Jason Geer

There are many reasons I create pictures. More often than not, it is to preserve a moment that will help viewers relive memories later on. Photography has been a passion of mine for several years and I actively seek avenues to share my work in a meaningful way that I hope also brings enjoyment to others.

'Hats Off' was an idea I had a couple of years ago to honor friends and family that have passed and help revive some of those memories. I initially wasn't sure how to proceed or even what theme to pursue. However, when I thought about many of my family members, they always seemed to have had a favorite hat. Whether it was for work, being outside, or dressing up for a night on the town, there almost always was a hat that completed their ensemble. 

To start the project, I asked for volunteers to allow me to photograph their loved one's hat and to write a one page letter to them in heaven. The idea of the letter was to give them an opportunity for closure. I also decided not to read the letters until I hung them up next to the pictures here. As I write this, I still do not know what has been written to their loved ones in heaven. 

As with any project, there were some considerations I had to take into account. In order to minimize risks, I decided to drive to locations and not take the chance of hats being damaged or lost during shipping. Also, since I was driving to homes I had to have a mobile studio that could be easily set up and torn down. Then just finding a time our schedules would align, even if it meant I had to drive 5 hours for 30 minutes of photographing. This project meant a lot to me and I was determined to see it through!

'Hats Off,' I feel, has helped me to have a greater appreciation for the long lasting impact that people have on others, even when they are no longer here physically. Being aware of what I was asking people to do, I'm humbled by their willingness to share their vulnerability and memories with strangers, friends, and family.  

I'm pleased to be able to share 'Hats Off' and hope that it will help you to relive memories of your loved ones who have passed.