Exhibitions
Mothering without a Mother
March 4 - April 26, 2025
The Old School House Arts Centre; Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada
My exhibition titled Mothering without a Mother features 12 fine art photographs exploring my experience without my mother. My mom died unexpectantly and suddenly in 2023. Shortly afterward, I asked herself, ‘How do I mother without my mother?’ Subsequently I began photographing my young kids, Miles and Margot, differently. I felt free to photograph my kids how I saw, and felt, when I was with them.
“My mom died unexpectantly on March 23, 2023. The afternoon before she died, I walked into her ICU hospital room, and shouted, “You are a great mom!” Although she wasn’t speaking, she managed, “I know.” It was funny! The next morning, I held my mom’s hand while she died. I remember thinking that time felt strange. I wanted my mom to hurry up and die because I didn’t want her to be in pain. But I also wanted time to stop, because this was the only time I had left with her; 41 years was not enough time.”
My photographs highlight the universal yet multi-faceted experiences motherhood, grief, love, loss, joy, vulnerability, and hope.
My daughter, Margot, and I traveled to Qualicum Beach, BC, to visit my dad, help with the exhibition installation, and see my exhibition in person for the first time! This short film captures our experience. If you were standing in the gallery, you’d find a QR code beside my artist biography, scanning it would bring my voice into the space, guiding you through the exhibition. The second video lets you experience that narration, just as if you were there.