Cathy R. Foreman
Photographer. Artist. Author.
My creative life wasn’t a straight line. It’s been experiments, failures, and surprises - black elephants, broken pots, big words… and finally, the lens.
In kindergarten, I colored an elephant black when everyone else used brown or grey. A little older, I subscribed to Highlights magazine and entered a contest for drawing a turtle. I didn’t win.
In middle school, I fell for pointillism - something about the perceived texture and dimensionality fascinated me - but I also learned I couldn’t draw for shit. In high school, I loved art, but again had to admit drawing wasn’t it. I tried pottery. Lord, another fail.
Somewhere along the line, I found words. I loved slipping sesquipedalian words into everyday conversations, but more than that, I loved how you could paint the perfect scene if you strung a deliberate set together - articulating a complete thought, crafting a colorful, powerful, or exacting statement, even one that resonates.
Then came photography. Out of nowhere, exactly when I needed it, it engaged me fully, presenting experiences I never could have imagined - always with my mom by my side. She was right there with me: participating, offering advice, assisting behind the scenes, witnessing the process, and helping shape this book from start to finish. Her presence and input are woven into every part of the work.
Now all my worlds have collided. Each identity is distinct, but together they’ve shaped the creative I’ve become.
Here, you’ll find the words, the art, and what I’m doing now - with her by my side every step of the way.
The Book
What We Found Along the Way is a story of discovery, memory, and the power of shared journeys. Through winding roads, small towns, and unexpected detours, mother and daughter, Mary and Cathy, uncover pieces of history, hidden beauty, and the quiet truths that shape a life.
For generations, many Black stories have been lost - unrecorded as elders passed on. These road trips became more than adventures; they became a way to preserve a living history. In the spirit of the Green Book, the authors record the present while reclaiming the past, gathering family stories, cultural memories, and personal reflection along the way.
Blending humor, warmth, and the unshakable bond between a mother and daughter, this book reminds us that some of the most important destinations are the ones we stumble upon by chance. Each chapter invites readers to slow down, look closer, and remember that the richest stops are those where we learn, grow, and love along the way.
Poignant and deeply human, What We Found Along the Way is more than a travel memoir. It is an inheritance of stories, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder that the road itself often carries the answers we seek.
For readers who believe in the power of family, memory, and adventure, this book is an invitation to find your own meaning in the places - and people - you encounter along the way.