Transitional Objects

A photography project uncovering memory in the objects we hold onto, where past and present quietly intertwine.

Transitional Objects is a photography project that explores the emotional weight and memories embedded in physical objects—specifically, the comfort items carried from childhood into adulthood. These are the things we reach for in times of stress or change. The ones we’d rescue first in a fire. A woobie. A teddy bear. A blanket.

In child psychology, a transitional object is an item—often a stuffed animal, blanket, or doll—that helps a child navigate the shift from dependence to independence. These objects serve as a bridge between the familiar and the unknown, offering comfort, stability, and a sense of home.

This project reflects on the continued significance of these items in adult life. From my own experience—growing up with absent parents and forming an intense attachment to “Teddy,” the bear I was gifted as a child—I know firsthand how powerful that bond can be.

As we move through the world—leaving home, relocating for work, or navigating loss—these objects often stay with us, carrying traces of family, identity, and emotional survival. They might be a toy, a blanket, …..—whatever holds that memory, that sense of safety.

This series will include portraits and interviews exploring each person’s unique connection to their item—what it means, why it matters, and the memories it holds.

STAY TUNED….