the Mindful Mothering Project

Gentle, Mindful Mothering Paintings… inspired by You!

In general, I find myself inundated with natural instances of inspiration, and more than anything I’m aching for time to get them all down on paper or canvas before they flit away…

If you hang out with me in person, you know my journal is always in hand, and I annoy myself, even, with my need to capture sketches, thoughts and words on so many occasions.

However… I’ve got an itch, an idea, an inspiration and I’d like to involve you ~ my community of intriguing, wise mothers and women, fathers and friends, followers and motivators.

Drawn In? Wanna Get Caught Up?

Submit your Photo(s) of Gentle, Mindful Mothering ~ however you describe it, however you find meaning in the words Gentle and Mindful ~ however you make it your own.

For you, is it: breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby-wearing, kissing, walking together, talking together, reading together, laughing together, cooking together, crying together, playing together…?

Share your moments, if you feel the urge, and swirl your beauty into the fertile soil from which the Intimate Moments of Motherhood paintings sprout.

*this is an ongoing project, there is no deadline!

The Inside Scoop!
[In actuality, I do not usually work from photos. I work from the sketches in my journal that have sprung from my heart and soul and influences in the world around me. When I do have photos to become inspired by (for commissioned paintings, for instance, and for this project) I take a look at the photos for the first 10 or 15 minutes, then set them aside and see what blossoms onto the canvas! I have no intentions or desires for photo-likeness, just a heart-felt representation of emotion and closeness.]

If you’d like to get involved, here is what to do:

1) Name your favorite photo(s) with YOUR name as the title of the image file (this is important so I can keep track of who sent what).

2) Email your photo to Katie@kmberggren.com

3) Agree that by sending me a photo or photos, you agree to let me be inspired by your image, and you agree that the design and copyright of the painting in its process and finished forms remains with the artist (that’s me!). But you can certainly brag to your friends by sending them over to the Facebook Fan Page to watch the process & feel free to “share” the postings on FB as well!

4) Agree that if your photo is chosen, you will be honored as I delight in sharing your lovely photo (and your first name) with my Facebook and Painting Motherhood blog Communities, as well as revealing process images as your photo inspires a painted canvas…

This is important: I do not strive for photo likeness in my paintings ~ more importantly, I capture the essence, the emotion, the movement, the connection, the contact, the energy…

This is ALSO important: I promise promise promise to tell you if I choose your photo ~ I will never use your photo then pretend I didn’t. There would be no use in it If you see a painting emerging that is similar to your photo, it might just be a coincidence ~ I promise to tell you and give you the free print at the end ~ don’t worry!

What’s In It For You?

If your Gentle, Mindful Mothering Photo does indeed inspire a painting for the Mindful Mothering Project ~ wooohooo! ~ YOU get a free 12×12 print of the finished painting ~ RAD!

Have questions? I’m here, just let me know.

Mindful Mothering Project Paintings, so far:

Mindful Mothering Project Painting #1 by Katie m. Berggren  ~ purchase a print of Simple Gifts

Mindful Mothering Project Painting #2 by Katie m. Berggren  ~ purchase a print of Strong & New

Mindful Mothering Project Painting #3 by Katie m. Berggren ~ purchase a print of Breathe With Me

Mindful Mothering Project Painting #4 by Katie m. Berggren ~ purchase a print of Today’s The Day

Mindful Mothering Project Painting #5 by Katie m. Berggren ~ purchase a print of Insight

Mindful Mothering Project Painting #6 by Katie m. Berggren ~ the original painting Finding Time is available
purchase a print of Finding Time