Description

Auntie Marlene’s Village, Portsmouth, Dominica 2022

From my first trip to Dominica in 2022 after 30 years of hiatus. Along with my sister and my mother, we rediscovered our ancestors island. My sister wrote about our returned trip to Dominica:

“I’ve always called Dominica “my island” – it’s a heritage I proudly proclaimed in London, before I’d ever been to the Caribbean island that my family is from.

When I finally visited with my sister and mum, I felt like I was Odysseus, returning home. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t a homecoming, as I arrogantly thought it would be, but rather the first stop on a long journey of self-contemplation.”

When we landed at its tiny airport, we were asked the classic question: “what is the reason for your travel?” My mum, bouncing with excitement, shouted: “I haven’t been back for 30 years! And it’s my daughter’s first time!” A line that will be repeated over the next three weeks, even though I was the only newbie. Lily had been to Dominica when she was four and my mum aged 33, the age Lily is on this trip.

Our family trip to Dominica was a rollercoaster of emotions, situations, people, landscapes, rum, beer, music, laughter, and legacy. Yet, being in Dominica made me realise how culturally British I am. I learnt that culture and heritage aren’t just where your grandparents are from, but it’s also the relationship that you, yourself, build with a place, mainly through time. I need to put the time and energy into bonding with Dominica.

It will never be “my island” but I’ll keep going back until I feel Dominican in my own personal way. To have an immigrant heritage, is complicated, it’s personal – like all relationships are – and it’s hard work, like all families are. So, all in all, the “roots trip” to Dominica was essential, even though I left with more questions, and more work to do. It may not have been a homecoming, but I definitely felt the Homeric hospitality from the Dominican people. Dominica is an island for soul searching – whether you’re Dominican or not. I guarantee you will discover something about yourself; and be forever changed by its magic.

Since most of our family emigrated to the UK in the 50s and my maternal grandparents are no longer with us, our ‘roots trip’ was like following a blank map: we moved forward but had no idea what or who to look for. We only had breadcrumbs of information about our family on the island. Yet, in true Dominican spirit, we followed the feeling.”

*Read the full story here*

Dominica, known as the “nature island” of the Caribbean, Wai’tukubl to the Kalingaos.

Shot on film in November 2022 and printed in 2025.

Limited edition of 10.

As it’s shot on film & printed on C-Type paper, please expect the beautiful imperfections that comes from the print, scratches, uneven lines, faded colours and so on.

If you’d like anything custom sized please contact me.

The print will be sent in a tube and delivered via Royal Mail, Signed for. If you would like a special courier delivery & faster delivery time, please also contact me.