The Wake Up – Makeup Project started as a personal photographic exploration in 2003. Each day I take a photograph of myself immediately after getting up and once I have put makeup on. The images mark the difference between the private and public face and highlight the realization that women only show their unadorned selves to a selected group of people. For most women, it is only the close family that gets a glimpse of their features without the products of a multi-billion dollar cosmetic industry.

The project then grew to include other women as well. This book is the result of an Artist Residency at 3331 Arts Chiyoda in Tokyo, Japan.  It uncovers the faces of 10 women who opened up their personal morning routines to me. I am grateful for their openness and thank them for inviting me into their homes.