Nature. Reflections. Land. Water. Texture. Transparency. Photography that captures a moment that will never be the same.
Just a Moment
Exploring Feminism & Emotion
This series, titled “Here I am, Here We Are”, I portray contemporary mothers in a raw, intimate and authentic way. While I was going through mental health struggles after my third child and balancing work and family obligations, my life was spiralling. One day, I stared at a simple portrait of my grandmother with her eyes closed which I had painted more than a decade earlier and it struck me - I understood what she went through and felt connected to her in an intimate way. I had to go back and create art again.
Stemming from the need to connect with others and my art while going through this time, I asked mothers on social media to take a moment for themselves to reflect and share with me a selfie with their eyes closed. I was overwhelmed with the response. I received over 100 private messages with testimonials on the inner struggles of contemporary motherhood, a discussion not normally presented on curated social media pages. I took these reference photos and started to reconnect with myself and my art practice in a healing journey of self-discovery. For this series of oil paintings on wood panels, I wanted to elevate the simple selfie in an almost historic dramatic way with high contrast colours and halos that evoke Madonna and child religious portraits. This process has been a way for me to spiritually connect with others mothers and to know I’m not alone, we are all here facing some of the same issues related to our gender constructs and roles.
Installation views - Just a Moment Event
Art Event on July 13 2022 from 5-7pm— Chigamik Community Health Hub, 287 Bayshore Dr, Midland
Organized by Camille Myles, visual artist, in partnership with Quest Art School + Gallery, Chigamik Community Health Hub, La Clé, Centre On y va, EarlyON Child and Family Centre Simcoe North, and others.
Camille Myles and community partners are pleased to present a social art event and family workshop to raise awareness of mental health issues affecting mothers. This drop-in event is aimed to provide a safe place to share and connect with other women through a pop gallery experience. A fun family art workshop will be offered with light snacks and refreshments as well as an optional New Moon Ceremony. Mental health support materials and resources will be offered by partners.
Parents have experienced considerable challenges and stress during the pandemic which have significantly impacted their mental health, in particular mothers with young children. The artist, Camille Myles and mother of three young children, found herself at a breaking point facing depression, anxiety and burnout in the fall of 2021. At that point, she decided to invite other mothers take just a moment for themselves in a safe place, close their eyes and take a selfie for her. The artist also asked mothers to describe how they were feeling with a simple word or testimonial. This event will be showcasing the results of this art project, offer professional portrait photography, provide an interactive art workshop and will encourage discussions about mental health.
Encaustic portraits "Just a moment"
