When I get what I call a "download" there is no stopping me. It's this energy where I feel I must move forward with a photographic project with wild abandonment. It drives my husband Joe crazy as he wants me to approach project with logic and business smarts like creating a business plan. I know he's right but I have no time to stop to do that and I know that my projects will always get funded. After four photo/essay books, I have found that to be so. However, it hasn't been without blood, sweat, tears and nail biting!
Now I feel called to do a project that honors women, mom's that are passionate about breastfeeding their children. It's a hot topic and I am determined to follow my bliss and create art that honors the notion that mom's can be sensual, beautiful, nurturing and magical in their passion to feed their child.
In the past I have been commissioned to do pregnant portraits and then the new mom's come back for the baby portraits. While doing the portraits I usually ask if they want a nursing portrait. Many of the mom's say yes enthusiastically.
So if you know of any mom's that are breastfeeding and are passionate and willing to participate in this groundbreaking project, please have them contact my studio asap.
It is starting as a traveling exhibit and then possible a photo/essay book. I will be searching out a non-profit organization that works with women in need in this particular area.
I love when my creative juices are flowing in a big bodacious beautiful way!
For all you women photographers, don't miss my Gather the Creative Women Mountain Retreat, September 18-22, 2013 in Pine Mountain California, just 70 minutes north of Los Angeles, http://maryannhalpinretreats.com/
