We were lucky to catch up with Mercy McNab recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mercy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
In October 2023, I celebrated the 25th anniversary of my mother’s passing. Instead of an anniversary of mourning, I found myself reflecting on the 25 years that had passed and how I had grown since her loss. This reflection led to the conception of a project I titled “The Love of Loss” – a story told through photographs of my journey through losing and finding my mother all at the same time.
My mother was born in New Hampshire in the 1950’s. She spent her childhood there, until her family moved to a small town in Indiana, where she later met my father. They met in high school, and their relationship progressed in college. Eventually they married, and had three children – the youngest being me! As the only daughter I was showered with a unique kind of motherly love. My mother was someone that always treated those around her with compassion and empathy. As I grew, I observed the impact she made on those around her on a daily basis. Regardless of who they were, my mother treated everyone with the same respect and love.
At the age of 43, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the disease for five years and at the age of 48 her battle ended and she passed on October 3, 1981. I was only seventeen.
One night, during her illness, I remember sitting on the edge of her bed while she slept. Her cancer had spread and I sensed that her life on earth was coming to an end. In a moment of desperation to hold onto her, I whispered in her ear to send me a sign after she had passed – to know that she was at peace and still could find me.
It wasn’t until a few years after her death that my family and I began to find dimes in very unusual places. Initially, they appeared to be placed randomly, but soon I realized they were appearing to me in times of extreme emotion – either times of distress or great joy. One of the first dimes that ‘appeared’ to me, was during a time when I was very ill. I was in the shower, crying, yearning for the comfort of my mother’s embrace. Suddenly, I heard a strange sound. The sound of metal clinking on the shower tile. I looked down and there, between my feet, was a dime. Having appeared and fallen from thin air, it took me several moments to digest what had just happened. I quickly attempted to justify its origins – checking the walls and crevices for somewhere it could have fallen from.
Still in disbelief, I suddenly remembered those words I had whispered to my mother just a few years prior. It occurred to me that this may be the ‘sign’ I had asked for. Something told me to check the date of the coin. Incidentally, it was the same year of her passing – 1998. I felt in that moment the confirmation that this was the request I had asked for as my mother lay on her deathbed. An overwhelming sense of love came over me in the purest form. A Mother’s Love.
This love has continued to grow and influence me throughout the years since. It has changed my perspective on the world, and has inspired me to live a life like hers – seeking out those in need, providing small acts of kindness, and paying that love forward. This way of living has so deeply affected me and has become an innate part of my identity and how I create as an artist.
I quickly found that I had a way of drawing out the true essence of my subjects, and that people felt very at ease in front of my lens. My vision developed and I discovered my passion for showing each person’s singularity. I became hyper focused on proving to each of my client’s their beauty, and how much they had to offer the world. Portraits were just the beginning for me. My portfolio has grown to include events, products, international travel assignments, client branding, and now storytelling.
The series “The Love of Loss” came to fruition with the realization that I am now the age my mother was when she was first diagnosed with cancer. Seeing the world through my own unique lens, guided by her spirit and omnipresent love, I’ve created a series of work that represents my journey through loss and finding the truest sense of love along the way.
I have never created a series about my relationship with my mother, nor have I shared this story publicly. I would not be the artist I am today without the impact of her everlasting love and the aftermath that came flowing like falling water. (In loving memory of J.E.F.)
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started my photography career in Portland, Oregon. I was born and raised in Indiana and felt a draw to a community rich in the arts, hence my relocation from a
small Midwest farm town to the bustling West Coast. The decision to relocate catapulted my career. I started out volunteering my time as a photographer, most
notably with ELEVEN PDX Magazine – a volunteer-driven, free publication dedicated to showcasing art and music within Portland. The magazine highlighted
local and national musicians, small business owners, as well as artists of every medium. There was even a section dedicated to the Literary Arts! (Leave no artist
behind!). I was the head photographer and curated the Visuals Arts section. Each month we interviewed local musicians and artists and would distribute 10,000 copies to local businesses. This project allowed me to take a deep dive into the art and music scene in Portland, and I was able to meet and photograph so many talented individuals.
Even though I no longer live on the West Coast, I’ve found a beautiful new home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Though the creative community here is smaller, it
is no less vibrant. I’ve spent most of my time meeting other creative individuals and diving into the beauty of the great outdoors. Michigan has so much beauty to offer – from the Great Lakes, to the Upper Peninsula, I never cease to be inspired by the nature I’m immersed in. My goal here in Grand Rapids is to start my own art gallery and safe space for other local artists to showcase their work and build connections in the creative community.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist I am creating something that has never existed before, through a way of seeing the world different from anyone else. I enjoy being able to have the ability to create impactful imagery that resonates with others.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I think that society’s value of artists and art has waned. It has become something that gains less funding and support than other areas of culture. Historically, art is
what lives on in societies. It is what we look back on to tell the story of how a group of people lived and what they saw value in representing artistically. It continues to be how our society tells its story – whether of strife or triumph. We need to regain the value we place on the arts and artists in our communities. I think the best way to accomplish this is to make art museums accessible to all, and to further the advertisement of spaces representing and presenting local art, whether that be
galleries, venues or community events. Another way to support art in your community is to purchase local art. This helps the artist continue to be able to create
and share their gift with the world. Being an artist takes vulnerability and courage. Be open to viewing the world the way others see it. It could offer a unique
perspective you’ve never considered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mercymcnab.com
- Instagram: @mercymcnab
Image Credits
Mercy McNab