A Rebirth
This was a deeply meaningful photoshoot for me. It represented the journey of the birth of my child. Of me.
The before. The threshold. The after.
A way to be outwardly witnessed after an extremely personal life changing event. A story that I have hesitated to tell publicly. Because it’s not ready, I’m not ready. Even over a year and a half later. I may never be. But something within my being needed to let part of it live outside of me. As a way to process the transformation, the grief, the shift of identity of who I was, and now am because of it.
To share in way that felt safe, liberatingly uncomfortable, and necessary.
Stories don’t always need to be told with words.
The tales of our souls can be felt, they can be moved through in body. They can be shared by presence.
And it was in the presence of Kenda that I chose to document it all. This beautiful human photographed me while I was pregnant. So it felt fitting that she stand witness for this piece.
From the garden of ruins, representing an identity that was growing through crumbling remains.
To the “birth tree” that held me in its long enveloping branches, representing the threshold.
To the open field of expression. Standing grounded on the precipice of who I am becoming.
It was liberating to steep in the creative process. Taking what I thought would just be photos for a “brand refresh” into a fully expressive endeavour. Seeking joy and delight in all the pieces and parts.
Choosing outfits that represented each phase. Each different part of me. Each identity.
Choosing the locations and spaces that best told the story. Supported by nature, both curated and wild.
Choosing to adorning myself with meaningful pieces, that were given to me by the generations of the mothers in my life. Me, my own mother and grandmother.
Choosing to let myself experience the gift of what I give so many others.
This was a space of retelling. A chance to move with and beyond an experience that shaped me so fiercely and tenderly. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to express myself in front of the camera in this way.
