Dedicated to the memory of my mother, Florie McCurry Edmunds, 1926-1980

Often people comment that there is something special about BJ’s images. She credits her mother’s creative influence and artist’s eye (and McCurry genes) for her own love of the beauty of creation. “Mama was one of twelve children, each of them talented in their own right. She was a natural beauty who wore no makeup, cut her own hair, and made her own clothes, as well as mine and my sisters and many other family and friends. She was the most caring and generous person I have ever known, sharing her talents for dressmaking, knitting, quilting, and crocheting with everyone, often as a gift. One rarely came for a visit without leaving with a gift in hand.”

Around 1974, a well known local artist was offering an oil painting class. Mama kept urging me to sign up because she said I had talent, which of course I didn’t! She said if I’d go she would sign up also. You see, she would not sign up for herself. It was not in her to do something just for herself. Thankfully, I gave in and signed up and she signed up. So it was that Mama discovered her passion at the age of 50. She turned out to be an excellent and prolific artist and blessed many with her simple Grandma Moses style during the last few years of her life.”

BJ often wonders what her mother might have accomplished had she not died of cancer at 54. She truly believes that the something special in her photography is inspiration by Florie. Her work, every image, is dedicated to her beloved and talented mother, Florie McCurry Edmunds.