About

AN ARTIST RESIDENCY IN MOTHERHOOD

motherwork began in April 2018 as an Artist Residency in Motherhood by Emily Koonse, a mother and award-winning artist working in film, video and still photography. As an effort to reconnect to her own personal story and artistic expression after giving birth at 40 years old and moving back to her hometown, the residency served as a research and development phase with which to engage with different women-centric communities in preparation for launching this online publication and community.

Her narratives reveal truths about nature, place and self. She works in abstract imagery, experimenting with analog and digital art techniques to examine storytelling with an emphasis on exploring personal subject matter and the natural world. Recent projects include award-winning documentary "Lost Child?" and the Missouri Photo Workshop photo essay, "Debra's Second Chance." View some of her projects here.

What is motherwork?

Here are some examples of motherwork, in action:

Making the sacrifice of time, energy and resources to conceive, carry a pregnancy, birth and raise a child.
Staying involved in the lives of children - making sure they survive, are nurtured, educated, cared for, and thrive.
Understanding fertility options and processing through trying to conceive, inability to conceive, or miscarriage.
Making a decision and processing through an abortion.
Dealing with the loss of a child.
Practicing self care.
Educating or reflecting on the physical and emotional process of mothering.
Sharing our space with a child as a neighbor, babysitter or friend.
Investing in mother-owned businesses, projects and endeavors.
Creating flexible work schedules and providing mother-friendly employment.
Supporting schools, providing education and resources to children
Organizing and joining support groups, growing the village
Affirming the experience of motherhood at every opportunity.
Hosting refugees and supporting mothers and children in need anywhere in the world.
Supporting governing measures that protect women’s healthcare, pay rates, benefits and immigration status.
Bringing meals to a new mom’s home.
Practicing midwifery.
Sharing your experience as a mother and opening up to this new life.
Understanding that motherhood is a different process for every woman and each mother’s story is unique and valuable.

Motherwork is this and so much more. The purpose of this site is to explore the definition through personal stories and the sharing of resources. You are invited to comment and share on the blog. Thank you for your thoughts and help in understanding of the nature of motherwork.

~Emily