brittany clay – maxwelld collection

[Brittany Clay | ph. Robert Voltaire]

In the words of Robert Voltaire:

She is blonde.

You may have seen her in the streets, in a story, in a film or in your mind.

She may be the one you were dreaming about. The one that kept you up at night.

She would tell you there is no God. She would know that one fact to be true.

She would know that because she believes she is all knowing as you did when you were young.

You may or may not share her beliefs.

Years later you would see her again.

You would photograph after the passing of her father.

She would tell you the story of a butterfly.

It’s the butterfly that her father promised. That deep and powerful representation of his life. The one that he said would land on her shoulder after his passing.

She would tell you that it happened, exactly like he said it would before he died.

“A monarch butterfly will come to you and land on your shoulder. Don’t cry for me. I will continue to watch over you long after I am gone,” he said.

She produces a cigarette. She’s nervous. Her hands are shaking.

She would tell you she was wrong. That this singular experience changed her belief in God.

You might believe her. You might think she is crazy.

It doesn’t matter what you think.

She says this cigarette is her last.

It doesn’t really matter if it is or not. Her intention is to quit.

The cigarette dangles from her lips, unlit.

You’re tempted not to take the photograph of what you see.

This girl. This almost muse. This person who quietly looks to you for comfort.

You want to keep this moment for you and you alone.

But, the beauty of her profile overwhelms you and you decide to take the picture.

Later you will share it.