Since my kindergarten graduation, where I stated I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, I’ve known art was a huge part of who I am. I’ve always had some kind of project or hobby going whether I was piled high with art school assignments, blowing off steam from working long days at the hospital, or carving out “me time” after becoming a mother. Art and creating have been my constants – my voice, my vices.
Preserving Shared Memories:
After losing my dad to cancer, I realized that all our memories were now solely mine and that I lacked tangible images to hold, to share with others. I don’t have many photos of us together, moments frozen in time that could help me reminisce and show my own children the bond we shared. I don’t have images that could help me hold on to the memories that become overwritten with time. This realization fueled my desire to capture moments and create lasting memories that can be cherished by loved ones for years to come. I was interested in photography for as far back as I can remember, but it was at this point that a camera of some kind became an extension of myself.
Pausing Time in Parenthood:
When I became a mother, my longing to document memories intensified. Parenthood is a whirlwind of change and growth, where time seems to slip through our fingers like sand. I yearn to pause time, even if only momentarily, to capture the essence of my children in each season. By freezing these transient moments, I can hold onto the memories and savor them as my children continue with their overnight upgrades. These memories not only serve as a source of joy and nostalgia but also as a reminder of the incredible journey we have embarked upon together. Through photography and storytelling, I aim to freeze these transient moments, allowing us to relish the memories even as our children continue to grow.
Shining a Light on the Invisibility of Motherhood:
As I continue to explore this fairly new role I’m in (4 years is still new, right?), I’m increasingly seeing that the work of a mother often goes unnoticed and the bond undocumented. This invisible work of motherhood often also means that we are rarely seen in the frame – behind the camera rather than in front of it. We become our family historians, so to speak, capturing the everyday magic and milestones of and for our loved ones, yet are largely missing in that visual history for one reason or another.
The love I have for my children is an indescribable feeling that fills every corner of my heart. It’s a love that transcends time and space, a love that knows no limits. I have experienced the overwhelming joy, the fierce protectiveness, and the profound sense of purpose that comes with nurturing a child. The love a parent has for their child is a love that consumes us in the most beautiful way possible.
That’s why it’s crucial for children to also see their mothers in photographs with them as well. When they look back on these cherished moments frozen in time, they see the embodiment of that immeasurable love staring back at them. They witness the joy sparkling in their mother’s eyes, the warmth in her smile, and the tenderness in her embrace. These photographs become treasured keepsakes, serving as a constant reminder that they were deeply loved, celebrated, and cherished. It reinforces their sense of identity, their self-worth, and their understanding of the incredible impact their mother has had on their lives.
I aim to shine a light on the role of motherhood – to capture those quirks and small, signaling moments between mother and child. I want to capture the beauty of motherhood and ensure our children have tangible evidence of the extraordinary love that surrounds them.
Sharing the Obsession:
Finally, I want to share this deep-seated desire of capturing memories and moments with others. I believe in intentional remembrance and the celebration of life’s little details. By taking the time to document these moments, we create a legacy for ourselves and for our children – tangible images that can spark nostalgia and serve as a lasting memory of who we were.
Capturing memories and moments is not merely a hobby or an indulgence; it is a way of honoring our past, cherishing our present, and leaving a legacy for the future. My “why” encompasses this deep-seated need to collect and preserve memories, pause time in parenthood, shine a light on the overlooked, and share this passion with others. In doing so, I hope to help others capture and curate moments of inspiration and appreciation in their own lives, and in their own love.
