I recently was involved in a discussion with a fellow artist about his first memorial commission of a baby. It got me thinking.....
I have done a few Angel baby portraits recently which I find quite personally challenging. There is a lot of pressure to give the parents an image of their child that they can treasure and get comfort from. I find myself up at night pacing the room worried that their eyelashes or that their lip isn't right. But I love this side of my work and I have had the most amazing feedback from my customers. For example:
"I feel like he is with us always now, not hidden in a box in case his sister finds the photo's. You have given us a great gift which we can show with pride in our home forever."
In my work as a nurse, I was used to what I did for a living directly affecting individuals lives in a very personal way. However, I don't know why but I didn't expect to be helping people so much through my art work. I suppose it's because I rarely meet my clients now, most of the communication is done over the phone or via emails. It seems silly to say (or write it) out loud that it surprises me though, because of course it helps! As an artist it is now my job to capture precious memories for my clients. It's a very emotional experience for them and for me. I feel very fortunate that I can still help bereaved families, it was a very rewarding part of my nursing and although challenging, I am glad I can continue to help, although it's in a very different way.
I have done a few Angel baby portraits recently which I find quite personally challenging. There is a lot of pressure to give the parents an image of their child that they can treasure and get comfort from. I find myself up at night pacing the room worried that their eyelashes or that their lip isn't right. But I love this side of my work and I have had the most amazing feedback from my customers. For example:
"I feel like he is with us always now, not hidden in a box in case his sister finds the photo's. You have given us a great gift which we can show with pride in our home forever."
In my work as a nurse, I was used to what I did for a living directly affecting individuals lives in a very personal way. However, I don't know why but I didn't expect to be helping people so much through my art work. I suppose it's because I rarely meet my clients now, most of the communication is done over the phone or via emails. It seems silly to say (or write it) out loud that it surprises me though, because of course it helps! As an artist it is now my job to capture precious memories for my clients. It's a very emotional experience for them and for me. I feel very fortunate that I can still help bereaved families, it was a very rewarding part of my nursing and although challenging, I am glad I can continue to help, although it's in a very different way.