a creative, non-standard word that blends “reinvention” and the suffix “-ary,” suggesting a person who is characterized by reinvention or is an agent of transformation. While not found in standard dictionaries, it clearly conveys someone or something involved in the process of redefining, transforming, or radically changing aspects of themselves or their environment.
This Inspiration
“It’s time for me to reinvent myself.”
Such a beautiful sentiment shared in conversation with another mom about this new stage of motherhood. I feel it too, the gravity of this upcoming transformation.
But I know we’ve been practicing all along, how to pivot. Every time we think we have a handle on a developmental stage, they move through it, and we are right back to trying to figure out how to meet this new version of them. Facing all the insecurities this new stage brings up in us. Trying and failing, figuring it out as we go. I thought back to this image, this moment, a specific example of this regular practice.
Foggy mornings still leave me in awe. And this foggy morning, as I grabbed my gear, she wanted to join me. She used to join me as a subject to be photographed. Now she wants to use my cameras. Now she chases what she finds beautiful. And so my focus shifts in stride, as it has every day of motherhood. Always making more room.
Creating the Image
I wanted to linger in this feeling, in this idea. I started with the portrait and looked through my images for something that matched the feeling tone.
I swapped the reflection with another portrait from this series, a visual representation of shifting. I wanted something different in the background, but I wasn’t sure what. I searched through my images, hoping something would inspire the next step. I wanted something new or slightly unexpected. I wanted an experience of seeing something that, at first glance, does not seem to fit, but as you look closer, you find threads of connection. I tried a few things, figuring it out as I went.
This was the image that I stayed with. Created with a prism, something I adore for its ability to transform a landscape. A visual representation of seeing new perspectives. I love the two roads, the idea of creating new paths.
Thoughts on Final Image
Something doesn’t feel quite right about this one for me. However, that aligns with how it feels to start a train of thought or embark on a new stage. It’s a start. It’s movement. And that is enough today.
I see many lovely pieces that I don’t have fully formed; the expression on her face, arms wide open, two newly transformed roads, the words ‘let it wash all over me’ that came to mind while adding the texture, the parallel lines, the parallel experience of figuring it out as you go. I’m certain there is more artwork to come around this idea, it’s a big one. Then again, I think it has always been there – baked into everything I create. As it has every day of motherhood.
A Shared Experience
I shared this post with a few moms with whom I’ve been in conversation recently about mothering and the pivot. I was delighted when someone shared an idea they had with me. She heard me say it felt unfinished. Maybe the empty space needed some kind of anchor. Maybe storming skies bring rain, but also lightning. Maybe lightning can symbolize change, intentionality, a strike point in time.
Maybe we are meant to navigate uncertainties like this together. Sharing ideas sparks more ideas. Perhaps exploring possibilities feels less intimidating when you have a community or someone to act as a sounding board. And this right here might be one of those newly created roads, approaching art making and art interpretation as a collaborative experience.
