THE THINGS WE CARRY
artifacts / spells / tools
ever since i stumbled upon an art project called Russian Women’s Bags from the Inside by photographer Sergei Stroitelev, i’ve been thinking about the things women carry in their purses, and what those things say about who we are.
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we carry artifacts, spells, mementos.. practical things, whimsical things, forgotten things.. any thing that will make us more confident, more comfortable, more ourselves when we close the front door behind us and step into the world. the items vary widely depending on the person, which is perhaps the most fascinating part of it all.
i remember, just as the photographer said in his project’s intro, feeling immensely drawn to my mother’s purse as a child. the way it held infinite wonders! how it made me feel safe, curious and cared for.
i knew she’d always have a eucalyptus mint or change for the gumball machine, or a napkin if i spilled something on myself. there was no end to the possibilities that dwelled beyond the floral fabric that my mother carried on her shoulder.
my own bag [from the inside]
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one thing that struck me was how Sergei wrote, “Those who consented to my request, I noticed, took great care to arrange whatever items they possessed on a black piece of cloth I carried around in my own backpack, before they allowed me to photograph their composition.”
i thought about this as i took great care to arrange mine, too. the way i felt close to each item, a sacredness. and i also felt a certain power humming through the objects. these are not only treasures but also tools. as if to say, i’m ready to take on any challenge this wild society throws at me - as long as i have my purse.
now that you’ve seen the inside, i’ll show you the outside, too. my purse used to be my grandmother’s. with mahogany-toned leather, a faded brass clasp and her plaid handkerchief still inside, it’s gotta be my favourite purse i’ve ever owned. i can’t bear to part with the cloth hankie, though i have never used a handkerchief and likely never will.
i’m filled with a burning desire to see the insides of every woman’s purse now. the combination of license picture + purse contents in Sergei’s project paints a vivid story about each woman.. i find myself inventing ideas about who they are, how they move and speak. what drives them.
i feel like they are all a friend of mine, in some way - or at least i see a woman that i love in all of them. and i see myself, too.
what did this photography project make you think or feel?
show me yours!!
i feel super excited by the notion that some of you might be inspired to share the inside of your bag, too.. i really wanna see them!
if you want to share yours & have it added to this post, submit the below information in a DM on Instagram, or email hello@sonjaringo.com. i will continuously update this article to include all of your submissions! please include:
a photo of the contents of your purse
driver’s license or other ID photo [cropped to be just the portrait]
your first name, age and occupation
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the things we carry - community edition
thank you endlessly to those of you who submitted your purse collage and photo! i’m eager to watch this section grow as more people add to it! a living, breathing, bag-driven amoeba <3
without further delay, here are the humans who submitted their very own bags from the inside….
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I’m so impressed by everyone’s items — my bag has a lot of crinkled receipts and empty wrappers. Perhaps that says something about my “to go” aesthetic? 😂🩵 Loved this fun piece!
I love those photos too! I came across another set on Instagram of 2010s what’s in my bag. All these old different types of cellphones. I also think it’s interesting what it says about the carrier, what’s so important you NEED to carry it with you.