In a year of intensifying public debate about the freedom to marry, Cheri Gaulke and Sue Maberry invited 10 lesbian and gay couples to go to Sears and have their portraits taken. The portraits were accompanied by personal stories and the story of Maberry and Gaulke’s own 26-year relationship in this artists’ book that raises the question “when your relationship is not legally recognized, what does marriage matter?” As the participants reflect upon the matter of their lives together, this book provides an intimate look inside alternative families. This was Gaulke and Maberry’s third Sears portrait project, in which they invert this middle-American tradition to question what and who defines family. The previous projects were installations that have been exhibited widely.

Marriage Matters was written and designed by Cheri Gaulke and Sue Maberry. It was color laser printed on iridescent Stardream paper in shades of purple, lavender, white and peach with a silk ribbon closure. The accordion spine allows the book’s covers to open back and be held with the silk ribbon. With the alternating vertical and horizontal pages splayed open, the book’s shape resembles a two-tiered wedding cake. This book is luscious looking and filled with juicy details!

2005, 10 x 8.5” Edition of 50. Made possible by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Cultural Affairs Department.

Available for $150 from Cheri Gaulke or Vamp & Tramp.