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.