I was asked to present, as well as lead a styled shoot, at a workshop recently. I knew that I didn’t want a “model” who just showed up at the time of the session and that for this to be meaningful I needed to take the attendees through my process. That meant that I was going to take the woman I would be photographing through my entire process.
Read MoreHealthy love has allowed me to create my most meaningful art. It’s allowed a safe space so that I can let all parts of me leave and then come back anew.
My home life is pretty ordinary and safe. The idea of that used to bore and scare me. It’s most likely because I was so used to the explosions and everyday turbulence of love before.
My art pulls me apart and love reals me in.
I hope to teach my daughter that the greatest love in life isn’t romantic love, but rather love with oneself.
Read MoreIt came full circle last week. Maeve came to a show that was featuring one of my pieces. She had never been to a gallery show I was in. I will never forget the feeling I had when her and Matt walked through the door of the building and she saw me. She wrapped her arms around me and was so excited. She had me show her the art and then, lastly, we turned the corner and I said, “Do you remember seeing this in our house? This is the art piece.” She smiled and even gave me a kiss.
She was proud of me.
I was proud of me.
I’m crying writing this and thinking about that moment.
I used to do this for me. I still do this for me. But, now I have her watching. I have a responsibility to show her that we have the chance to find a way to serve others while serving ourselves. That mommy follows her dreams every day and she can do the same.
I thought my daughter would be the death of my business, but instead, she grew it in ways I’ll never be able to quantify.
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-Passion
-Integrity
-Genuine care
Be yourself and the rest will follow. Yes, you have to work incredibly hard, but it doesn’t feel as hard when you’re passionate about what you do. Also, think outside the box. I truly care about the people I work with and if something isn’t working, we return to the drawing board. Art is about taking a risk and having your client trust in that process.
Read MoreI’ve never understood why we don’t celebrate the mothers on their child’s birthday.
We are constantly being reborn.
We are teaching ourselves something new and it’s our first time, just as it is our child’s.
Yesterday was spent celebrating our child, Maeve. This little being is the most special human I’ve ever met (yes, I know, every parents says this). But, she spreads joy everywhere she goes. Strangers can’t help but smile and talk to her.
It was bittersweet. I love watching her grow and become her own self, but damn it’s hard. Knowing that we will never be in this stage with her again hurts.
I haven’t been big on birthdays since I’ve been an adult. So much of the magic has faded and a lot of it feels like I’m just going through the motions.
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