Fine art photographer, Marcie Alkema, considers her pilot photography project a profound experience. At Boston Children’s Hospital, where she worked as an OR nurse, an opportunity arose in which she created a project making photographs of infants and children; documenting precious, short lives or providing a “bright spot” for parents, enduring their child's long, difficult recovery. There are no words to describe knowing that her photographs were so meaningful to the parents. Having lost a child herself, the poignancy of these photographs was deeply felt. While all images are private; existing with each family and the hospital only, this experience continues to influence her photographic perspective.
Marcie’s current work is Remembrances: Historic cemeteries and memorials to those who have passed. She sees this series which focuses on loss and remembrance, as a direct result of her hospital and personal experience. Other recent series include: Up Close, Reflections and Home, Sweet Home. An image from Home, Sweet Home received a “finalist” award and was published by the Photographer's Forum Magazine’s 37th Annual Photography Contest.
Marcie studied nursing at Greenville General Hospital School of Nursing, Furman University and Palm Beach Junior College. She is now retired after working over 40 years as an adult and pediatric nurse and has volunteered on five medical missions in developing countries. She is based in Plymouth, MA.