The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree.
This project began as a fascination between the relationship of Mother’s and Daughters. As someone who is not a Mother, Imogen continues to explore this subject through her lens as well as written word. Part of the attraction to this subject matter has been witnessing her own relationship with her Mother, and has turned into a project that explores the narrative of what it means to both be a Mother and a daughter; One of the most poignant relationships in one’s whole life and one which takes a lot of navigation and often, thought provoking moments.
Tabby Booth and Ziggy
“I find parenting incredibly hard. I was always so desperate for kids, and whilst I love them more than anything, I struggle to enjoy the day to day like I once imagined I would. I think it can be more challenging as an artist: there’s this primal need to create constantly that comes from deep within and when you can’t fulfil that, it tears at your soul and racks you with guilt.
I feel so lucky to have one of each, but I’ve always been fascinated by girls, and particularly longed for one. With your own daughter comes this mix of reflection and contrast: part of you but at the same time, strangely separate.
And yet, as much as I sometimes ache for the life I had before them, I can’t imagine a world without them now. I remind myself that 30 years from now, I’ll long for their tiny hands clutching at me, and a home filled with the wild chaos of family life.” - Tabby
Bridie and Murphey
“I always wanted to be a mum, but a boy mum. I had never considered what having a girl would be like. Then came you Murphy. The most sassy, hot headed, loving, clever little fire cracker! A mini me, a best friend. As you grow old, we won’t always be best friends, but my love for you is eternal.”- Bridie
Ellie and Pip
What is the best thing about your Mum?
“I love her and she loves me. It’s nice. It’s fun. It’s everything” - Pip aged 6
Kylie, Hilary and Anouk
Kylie:
“Being a mum has been the greatest joy of my life. Before Anouk was born, I found life hard. My life is so full of love and wonder, it’s around every corner. It’s a love I can’t pinpoint because I have never felt it before. Without the love (for Anouk) you would be six feet under, you just wouldn’t survive it.
As a single mother by choice, it has given me a huge amount of strength and perseverance on very little reserve. I managed all of this”.
Hilary:
“Don’t forget to tell them you love them. And look after yourself so you can support them.”
Beki and River
“ I have a layered relationship with the word ‘mother’. When I think of my own mum, it feels incredibly positive, she’s a powerhouse of love, determination and resilience, and the word feels expansive and affirming.
When it comes to myself, it’s more complex. I know I’m a good mother, I love my daughter fiercely and would do anything for her, but for a long time my identity has been rooted in my creativity and my work. Becoming a mother didn’t replace that part of me and navigating these two identities hasn’t been easy.
I’ve felt pressure at times to be a more ‘natural’ and self sacrificing version of motherhood, and that expectation made me question myself unnecessarily. Overtime, I’ve realised that being a mother doesn’t mean diminishing who I am.” - Beki
