MILDRED VEGA
71
I was born in New York City 71 years ago. I have been living in the Bronx for over 50 years. I have been married for 53 years, have four children, and nine grandchildren. I am a caregiver for my special needs brother and am also raising my granddaughter, after the passing of her mother, my dear daughter.
After working as a Pupil/Payroll Secretary at the Department of Education for 27 years, I retired and wanted to stay active, so I was blessed to find the Bronx Senior Photo League at the Mitchel Senior Center. This is my second year with the BSPL, taking photography with Ms. Rhynna M. Santos. Photography has changed my life and has helped me to connect emotionally with my life through the lens. What I once only shared privately, I now photograph and share with my family, friends, and photo community. I am a very religious person; I love my God and all the blessings He has bestowed on me and my family. My pictures tell the story of how important my Catholic faith is to me and how every room in my home is testimony to my sentimental values.
Thank you to Rhynna and BSPL for opening my eyes through photography and teaching me to not be afraid of expressing myself through my photos.
PERSONAL PROJECT: MY CATHOLIC FAITH
Finished prayer rocks. Bronx, New York, 2020.
My art: painted rocks in progress. Bronx, New York, 2020
Leaving my art on the street for people to find. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Leaving my art on the street for people to find. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Leaving my art on the street for people to find. Bronx, New York, 2020.
DOCUMENTARY WORK
Breakfast before I start my day. Bronx, New York, 2019.
William’s medication, which I refill for him every week. Bronx, New York, October 2019.
My brother William, who I take care of. Bronx, New York, October 2019.
Brady and Rene, my grandchildren. New York, 2019.
Peaceful place, my daughters house. New York, 2019.
Daughter’s grave. Bronx, New York, 2019.
Light through my window. Bronx, New York, 2020.
COVID-19 PROJECT
During the COVID-19 global pandemic, students documented their experience with physical distancing and self-quarantine. As we had no access to their cameras, they used their mobile phones to capture the constant changes they faced, both positive and negative.
The thermometer I used to check my fever while I was sick from COVID-19. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Self-portrait being sick from COVID-19, and recovered. Bronx, New York, 2020.
My nurse daughter gave me medicine when I got sick. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Saniya, my granddaughter’s bedroom during quarantine. Bronx, New York, 2020.
My home is like my church. Living room, Bronx, New York, 2020.
My home is like my church. Living room, Bronx, New York, 2020.
My daughter who passed away four years ago. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Journal thoughts at 9am. Bronx, New York, 2020.
First time getting together after 3 months for my grandkid’s celebration. Bronx, New York, 2020.
Black Lives Matter protest in front of my house. Bronx, New York, 2020.