Meet photographer and mom Alyson Aliano. We came across her project entitled “Real Mother“ and were intrigued by the subject of moms and what moms mean to Aliano as well as each of us. What is a real mother and what’s it like to be a mother? In Aliano’s images we can relate to being a mom whether step mom, biological mom, lesbian mom or adoptive mom. We love the moments and the beautiful bonds that we see in Aliano’s photos and we were very happy when Aliano agreed to our interview!
Describe your typical day. I am freelance, so I don’t actually have a typical day. Tomorrow, I have to be on set at 6:45AM to shoot and hope to get to exercise after that. I am not shooting for a client the following day, so I will shoot a test shoot for my portfolio that day and work with a student I am teaching through an Independent Study at The School of Visual Arts in NY.
How did you begin photography and the project “Real Mother”? I began photography and art in high school. Art History was my chosen major at Boston University. My parents wanted me to get a liberal arts education. But after a year I realized that I wanted something different. I transferred to The School of Visual Arts at age 19 and haven’t looked back. My BFA is in Photography.
Real Mother began when I found myself a step mom to twins, then age 9, now age 19. I have been shooting editorially and working commercially since 2001.
How do you see this project developing in the years to come? This project was first envisioned as a monograph with interviews of the moms on the pages adjacent to their photos. I have applied for grants to go back and photograph the moms with their children now.
There are many ways I see to continue and grow this project. A video component is a possibility. Expanding the subject matter to include a greater variety of familial situations is another aspect I’m interested in.
What motivates or inspires you? I am motivated and inspired by, wow, everything, other art, different things at different times, Real Mother was motivated by the challenge and/ or need to understand parenting and motherhood. My photography is usually inspired by a need to understand or experience a particular thing.
Can you recommend any nice spots for Moms or women in Los Angeles (or your hometown)? Wi Spa (pronounced We) in LA is a fun Korean Spa. Good to go with a girlfriend and relax.
Can you recommend any nice spots for kids in Los Angeles (or your hometown)? In NYC? In LA, I like the Griffith Observatory, LACMA or the beach. In NYC, the Museum of Natural History is a favorite
Your essentials or must-haves (beauty, objects, keepsakes, food, etc.)? A best friend, a pair of high top sneakers, & a denim jacket.
Your favorite books, magazines, music? The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
Thanks Alyson!!! Alyson’s work and also the Real Mother project can be discovered on her website here: www.alysonaliano.com.
This post is also available in: French