An Interview With Claiborne Swanson Frank On Motherhood
We’ve loved Claiborne Swanson Frank’s now iconic book, Mother + Child, ever since it hit the shelves. In all her projects, Claiborne is a gifted storyteller through her lens, offering perspective + insight into the multi-faceted lives of the people captured. In this collection, she shows us an innocent, delicate + intimate view of modern day motherhood through varying accomplished + influential women. Having grown up in California, moving to NYC in her twenties, getting married + having children, and discovering herself along the way, we asked Claiborne about her own journey through motherhood and what has inspired her aesthetically, personally + maternally thus far.
GDV: What is the best advice your mother gave you?
CSF: My Mother always told me to follow my heart and that the universe would show me the way.
How did your childhood influence your path?
I had a deep love of nature as a child. I loved running through our vineyards, the breeze at my back feeling wild and free. Nature gave me peace. Nature is a powerful and constant source of inspiration in my work. I am always collaborating with nature.
What inspired you to create and gather such beautiful images of striking, multi-faceted women, immersed amongst their young children, for your Iconic book, Mother and Child?
Becoming a mother transformed my world and inspired me to create my book " Mother and Child." I set out to document modern motherhood and was inspired to capture through my lens the love between a Mother and a Child.
What wisdom would you most wish to impart upon your own children?
To live passionately, love deeply and reach for the stars.
Did becoming a mother impact the way you see/feel subject matter through the lens?
Motherhood forced me to let go of my need to control. In letting go of control in my life and in my photography I found my way to the moment. It is in the moment that true beauty and love live.
Pairings with
Mother and Child
Our passion is to hunt and gather for unique elements that create a sophisticated and sustainable lifestyle filled with luxury + comfort. We love serving our clients and bringing to them elements discovered and wisdom found. We’re looking forward to celebrating some of our favorite artisans, gurus, and influencers who we cherish as clients and bring you their stories in order to share a little of what we learn each and every day.