Art is about figuring out something about yourself, finding meaning in the world through exploring what is significant to you. In my own life, nothing has changed me as much as becoming a mom. And when I say change I mean physically, spiritually, and philosophically... everything. Because of my deep appreciation for my own mothering journey, I find myself especially drawn to art around this theme. I love photographing moms with their children. Portraits of motherhood speak deeply to me.
During my family portrait sessions, I'll admit... it is all about MOM. I do it for the moms out there. In my artistic obsession I see myself in you (I'm talking to the moms now). I've read that you can find the artist in their work, and in mine, it's you. I know your impossible wishes, to freeze time right now in hopes to capture and bottle these fleeting moments with your precious children while they are so small, so entirely YOURS. I get how badly you need a nice picture where you're not covered in spit-up or wearing your comfiest yoga pants. I know you are the one who is usually behind the camera or... running away from the camera. I understand that being in front of the camera presents its own set of vulnerabilities for many of us. I've been there to stop the tears of the mom who wasn't happy with how she looked, the newly divorced mom who felt the keen sense that someone was missing from the picture, the first time mom who was overwhelmed and exhausted.
There is this pressure that everything must be perfect or at least look that way. But I have come to see that the areas of life that aren't so perfect are where the brave stories are, where the real beauty is often born, where the strength can come through shining bright. So don't worry about perfection, all of life is full of beauty if you have the eyes to see it. I do see it with every mother I photograph no matter what they may see in the mirror. I am humbled and honored to have that trust to capture these moments of love and beauty.
The job of parenting is soul-feeding work. It's mostly messy and raw, definitely not always what we think of as picture perfect. This short video is a wonderful tribute to motherhood: watch and know that what you are doing is beautiful and important.
During my family portrait sessions, I'll admit... it is all about MOM. I do it for the moms out there. In my artistic obsession I see myself in you (I'm talking to the moms now). I've read that you can find the artist in their work, and in mine, it's you. I know your impossible wishes, to freeze time right now in hopes to capture and bottle these fleeting moments with your precious children while they are so small, so entirely YOURS. I get how badly you need a nice picture where you're not covered in spit-up or wearing your comfiest yoga pants. I know you are the one who is usually behind the camera or... running away from the camera. I understand that being in front of the camera presents its own set of vulnerabilities for many of us. I've been there to stop the tears of the mom who wasn't happy with how she looked, the newly divorced mom who felt the keen sense that someone was missing from the picture, the first time mom who was overwhelmed and exhausted.
There is this pressure that everything must be perfect or at least look that way. But I have come to see that the areas of life that aren't so perfect are where the brave stories are, where the real beauty is often born, where the strength can come through shining bright. So don't worry about perfection, all of life is full of beauty if you have the eyes to see it. I do see it with every mother I photograph no matter what they may see in the mirror. I am humbled and honored to have that trust to capture these moments of love and beauty.
The job of parenting is soul-feeding work. It's mostly messy and raw, definitely not always what we think of as picture perfect. This short video is a wonderful tribute to motherhood: watch and know that what you are doing is beautiful and important.
Tune your eyes to see the real beauty that you do each day.
This is so beautiful Denise. Love your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :)
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