EYES - WINDOW TO THE SOUL

For many people - including me - the eyes are the window to the soul. Through them we connect with our environment, experience new things and express our feelings. However, my perspective changed with Jill, a 15-year-old Appaloosa mare. We met in December 2019 when she moved into our stable with her owner and we girls quickly became friends. I cared for Jill often and our bond grew stronger over time. The diagnosis in September 2022 was incomprehensible to all of us: A genetic defect was responsible for her losing one eye within 3 weeks and having it removed. The other eye was also affected and was deteriorating rapidly. Nevertheless, all of this never dampened Jill's joy in life. Even without eyes, she continues to let me and those around her know how she feels. Does she feel uncomfortable, insecure or dissatisfied? Is she relaxed, curious or playful? She lets us know in her own unique way. For me as a photographer I wanted to know, can I capture Jill's soul without eyes? I would answer this question with a resounding “yes”. But see for yourself and decide whether she will let you gain an insight into her soul.