SHELF MEMORIES

A nostalgic photo series that documents the place of books within human relationships.

Sophia Conway

May & June, 2025

MAC DIGITAL MEDIA GALLERY

“Shelf Memories is a nostalgic photo series that documents the place of books within human relationships. Within the book cover lies a handwritten note from which we catch a brief yet intimate insight into the bond between people; the moments shared and milestones celebrated through the giving of a carefully selected book. The notes, paired with the book’s cover image, reveal more of the giver’s intentions; from nursery rhythms and Bibles to poetry and self-help. No matter how meaningful they once were, the books are eventually outgrown and succumb to thrift store and community library shelves where they are found and photographed; the final resting place for many words chosen with care, signed with love, and given in hope. Relationships past and children grown, all that remains is a handwritten note, more often than not from XOXO Nana & Pops.“

Sophia Conway is an Irish poet and photographer who loves to tell stories through her work. Her poetry has been published in literary journals numerous times with her two debut poetry books to be released in late Spring 2025. Her primary inspirations are nature, motherhood, and Christian faith. She can often be found buying far too many books, walking the beach with her husband, or dancing in the kitchen with their 2-year-old son. ‘Shelf Memories’ is her first photo series.