NICO at Home with Alexandra Davies of Flowers Through Fences
What made you start creating content in your NICO and how do you approach storytelling through your lens?
My most recent series of self portraiture work have captured the ever evolving physical form and mind of a mother through pregnancy and postpartum. My NICO sets afford the comfort of a second skin and feel like a base rather than a statement. They work with my projects and they feel authentic to me. The colours and seam placement make me feel more together on days in which I may not feel that way - a boost of confidence. They have stretched and shaped with me as my body has evolved. These sets are long-term staples in my wardrobe. I lean into honest accounts of documentation, like marking the page in a book. There is beauty here. In the mess, in the choas of this season. Through different emotions and challenges. It's here and I seek this beauty daily in my own life and through my photographic lens of self an others.
What does self-care look like for you?
During my current season of mothering three preschool aged boys, self-care needs to be accessible. Exfoliating and standing slightly too long in a hot shower. Applying body oil to my skin. Waking before the household rises to have a slow cup of coffee and breakfast alone. But the biggest form of self-care for me is a creative outlet through photography, journaling and experimenting with mixed-medium.
How does sustainability play a role in your daily routines?
Sustainability, for me, isn’t just about big changes, but incorporating small, everyday actions that, over time, can have a meaningful impact. Reducing waste by opting for reusable items, mindful of energy use and making a concerted effort to support local sustainable products and practices.
Can you tell us a little about your journey as a photographer, how has your style evolved over time, and how it intersects with your life as a mum?
There's always been a camera in hand. From disposable cameras and digital point and shoots at high school parties to my latest medium format film camera, I've always taken interest in revealing the person behind the external persona. I want to uncover that person's mind and authentic self. Their natural movement. The sit, smile, 'perfect' portrait doesn't make me feel anything. I search for the truth. The gaze often holds this. Over time I have become more macro, less wider environmental noise and more focus on the line and shape of the person. As a mother, I document my family this way. Following their interests, reactions and expressions. I want to freeze time and encourage self-expression. As a mother, I feel if my children are confident and comfortable in their own skin, I've done well.
Your photos in NICO are stunning! What draws you to work with natural light, textures, or specific compositions?
Oh, thank you so much. Play and experimentation through shape and line are a large element of my practice. Additional elements such as props and materials stem from this. Within these series, the images were taken at specific intervals and as a mother, this meant setup and accessibility needed to be quick. There's a specific space against the wardrobe in my home that gets the most beautiful light mid morning. The connection to the sun felt powerful within these series. I also feel natural light has the ability to highlight beauty when we may not see it. It makes us look. Makes us pause, ponder and take note.
Your style has such a unique vibe. How does fashion reflect your personality, and what are the key pieces you can’t live without?
Thank you. Funnily enough, at present I feel I am still getting to know myself again. My pre-pregnancy clothes not quite fitting and my current wardrobe prerequisite for breastfeeding access, I am searching for what feels right and feeling most comfortable in less - underwear sets, loose form clothing (sheer or not), one size fits all togs. I know I will return to myself, but at present we dance. My key pieces that remain revolve around footwear - my Blundstones and silver Birkenstocks.
What are you working on right now?
With my larger long-term project wrapping up recently at the end of the fourth trimester, I'm starting to play more with images taken within the first month postpartum with my third child. Physically cutting, layering, sewing into... the tactility of collage feels very authentic in my practice. I hope to turn this body of work into a Photobook or Zine.
