Creative Mothers -
On running businesses and raising children
Media and awards:
Creative Boom, Darklight, AOP, Finalist of the AOP Open Awards 2023, Shortlisted in the Portraits & People category of The Photography Foundation Awards 2023 sponsored by Leica
I had my daughter in June 2020. The truth is, everything has changed overnight: my body, my mind, my perception of time and my priorities. Being a self-employed photographer, I realised how challenging it is for women running their own business, especially a creative business, while raising kids. The task of driving forward a career - and finding the time and headspace to create - while tending to the vast and varied needs of children, is not for the fainthearted. That said, there’s also a beautiful synergy between motherhood and creativity, perhaps partly due to a heightened sense of courageousness and belief in one’s abilities, not to mention increased productivity.
Laura von Behr
Vintage specialist
Alice Vincent & Corin
writer
Gala Botero & Penelope
actress
Laxmi Hussain, Zain, Layra & Eden
painter
Ola O. Smit & Zoe
photographer
Lakwena & Aroko
artist
The portraits depict moments of calm in the busy lives of self-employed creative women emphasising a sense of true strength, love and connection between mother and child. Writer Tessa Pearson is running interviews alongside this project to tell the individual and inspiring stories, to get an honest view, and to reflect upon the struggles and complexities of combining motherhood with a creative career. As painter Laxmi Hussain said of making art while bringing up three children: ‘Parenting is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done… if I can do this, then I can do anything.’
Amy Friend & Raf
set designer
Yemi Awosile & Ezra
textile designer
Long term, I would like this ongoing project to develop into a book to inspire, connect and raise awareness in the creative industry. This body of work was shot over the past year. Featured women include: Artist Lakwena with her sons Makelo and Aroko, set designer Amy Friend with her son Raf, Photographer Ola O Smit with her daughter Zoe, artist Laxmi Hussain with her children Zain, Layra & Eden, entrepreneur Lauren Wood with her daughters Isla and Zadie, actress Gala Botero with her daughter Penelope, blogger Liv Purvis, Beyond Nine founder Naomi Raybould, Yemi Awosile with her son Ezra, vintage specialist Laura von Behr with her daughter Lena and writer Alice Vincent with her son Corin.
Lauren Wood, Isla & Zadie
founder of luxury textile brand Sirimiri
Gala Botero & Penelope
actress
“With my art I attempt to add to the visual narrative of what we as women and girls consume…. so much societal messaging for us is very negative and loaded with unrealistic and disappointing expectations. I believe I create bold and uplifting art that celebrates women. I look to amplify the message of accepting our imperfections, but what is at the very core of my work is a strong belief that there is no greater power than women truly supporting women.” – Amy Gardner
Amy Gardner
Artist
Bug
Designer