Welcome to The Anita Claire Project! Anita Claire was my mom. Losing her was the darkest hour of my life. In honor of my mom, I decided to create this project, in which I photograph mothers and daughters, in order to capture the moments and the bonds that they share. I chose to launch my project today, on Mother’s Day, as my gift to her. This has been in the works for some time, and I feel emotional, anxious, nervous, happy, sad and a whole myriad of other feelings, in bringing this to you, the public. It’s been a journey - of deep sadness, vulnerability, ups and downs - to say the least, but it’s also been uplifting. The women I have been meeting have been inspiring and beautiful. They each have their own unique connections with their daughters and to have been able to spend the relatively little amount of time I had with them to offer them the gift of capturing life snippets for them - a glimpse into their worlds - has been a gift, in return, to me. In the same vein, meeting the husbands, sons, and other extensions of their families and support systems has not only warmed my heart, but sharpened my need to continue sharing these types of stories.
I want to thank everyone involved for being interested in the project and the inspiration behind it. Thank you for your words, messages, beautiful and meaningful gestures, and overall support. Special thanks to Ellen S. and Kerri M. for all of your help and encouragement! Thank you Corina H., Christopher M., and Michael R. Thank you to my “launch mothers and daughters”, namely, Shlomit, Leah, Natalie, Natalie, Eliza, Julie, Seena, Elana, Olivia, Kerri, Pat, Daphne Viola, Daphne Maria, Annie, Shoshanna, and Kara. I thank you for your enthusiasm, your interest, your support, your stories, and your transparency. Thank you for helping me to forever honor my mom…
Thank you to my family and friends for their continued support, and proof that there is strength and truth in the definition of the words “family” and “friendship”. I love you.
Mom, I never thought I would have to be here writing this. I never imagined I would be in this space in time. I miss you more than can be explained. Thank you for all of your love. This here is for you, inspired by you.
I love you, Mom.
Love,
Kendra