ABOUT
motherwork began in April 2018 as a self-imposed artist residency by Emily Koonse, a mother and award-winning artist working in film, video and still photography to explore narrative formats around motherhood and identity. 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.
***Note: as of December 31, 2018 the artist residency is officially closed. Head over to Projects to see the latest offerings from motherwork.
Now, motherwork is an emerging effort collective that explores storytelling methods and community-building to provide space and outlets to present these meaningful narratives. We work with artists, photographers, writers, teachers, designers, musicians, and mothers to create projects that explore the formation and transformation of the self within and without the identity of motherhood. We believe that mothers’ experiences hold powerful truths and connections to so many lives. This is currently a work-in-progress and we are defining this together.
***Note: as of December 31, 2018 the artist residency is officially closed. Head over to Projects to see the latest offerings from motherwork.
Now, motherwork is an emerging effort collective that explores storytelling methods and community-building to provide space and outlets to present these meaningful narratives. We work with artists, photographers, writers, teachers, designers, musicians, and mothers to create projects that explore the formation and transformation of the self within and without the identity of motherhood. We believe that mothers’ experiences hold powerful truths and connections to so many lives. This is currently a work-in-progress and we are defining this together.
EMILY KOONSE
visual storyteller
Emily Koonse is a mother and an award-winning artist working in film, video and still photography. She participated in a self-imposed artist residency in motherhood documented on motherwork.org, a showcase of the resulting projects. 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 the feature documentary "The Gathering: Roots & Branches of Los Angeles Jazz" and the Missouri Photo Workshop photo essay, "Debra's Second Chance."
