November 4, 2013
This past winter I accomplished something I’m very proud of. I had my very first solo art show.
I’ve decided to share this with you now because at this time last year, I came up with the idea to start my personal project about mothers (see how I came up with my idea HERE.)
I’m the kind of person where as soon as I have an idea, I become obsessed with completing it. That’s how I approached this project. I started reaching out to all the amazing mothers I knew. I started meeting with them, photographing them, and hearing their amazing stories. The word spread. FAST. Soon I had a bunch of people suggesting different mothers I could feature. I met all different types of moms; new mothers, expecting mothers, adoptive mothers. All different, yet all equally wonderful. I ended up choosing 28 different mothers. (see all their posts HERE.)
These women are amazing. It helped me appreciate all the work and love they give. They sacrifice, they work hard, they love with their whole heart. Their stories changed my life.
After realizing how beautiful and important this project had become, I decided to contact the ARTgarage about showing some of my project. They were so impressed they decided to do a whole showcase on it! The whole front of their gallery was dedicated to me and my project. And not just for a weekend, for the whole month of February. I was honored.
I knew I wanted to put together a show that was visually appealing and showcased how beautiful these mothers are. I printed everything 16×20 and wrapped it around 1″ thick board with each mothers’ story printed below. There was also a large collage wall with additional photos from our shoots. I’m so proud of how it all turned out.
And on February 2, I had my first solo art show reception. It was such an unbelievable rush of emotions. Does everything look ok? Will people like it? Did I do the story justice? But as soon as I walked into the ARTgarage that evening, I was as calm as can be. Everything looked beautiful. I just stood back and let people come in, chatting with everyone about how wonderful it was to do this project. It was a magical night; the ARTgarage said it was one of their biggest solo artist receptions they ever had. I was beaming by the end of the evening.
The art show was amazing but what I want people to take away from my project is this message:
Your mother is important. She helped raise you to be the person you are today. She is a person and she has a story. Tell your mom you love her and appreciate all she does for you.
To see what my show was all about, check out this video Jacob of Kinetic Bear made for me
It seriously brings tears of joy to my eyes every time I watch it.
My art show (told through an iPhone)
Alexander helping me plan my layout for the collage wall
Photos from others
Me with my mother and grandmother (photo by Kinetic Bear)
My show was featured in Women’s Magazine!
Thank you to all the wonderful people that helped with this project! And thank you to the amazing mothers that shared their stories. This project will continue. This is not the end.
And to all photographers and artists out there, I highly suggest pursuing a personal project. It’s a great way to work on something you love and meet wonderful people you might not have met otherwise. It will change your life and hopefully help you appreciate the world and the people in it.
Oh my goodness… I thought you were fabulous before, but I just stumbled upon this and can’t believe how awesome you are. You are truly an inspiration! This is amazing!
Aww you are too sweet Katie!!