For this edition of Wool Lovers, we sat down with Ebony Morris of Mama Kind Studio. We talked about motherhood, the pull of creative work, and - of course - a shared love of wool.

Can you tell us a little about your work and what first drew you to photography?

"From a young age, I have always noticed the way light moves over things, casting shadows and changing tones. I have also always been drawn to creating and seeing beauty in everything that I do, which naturally led to documenting what I see. I think photography, and in particular film photography, has the ability to capture light and beauty like nothing else."

How did Mama Kind Studio come about, and what did you want to create through it?

"Mama Kind Studio was birthed shortly after my second child, my daughter. I had purchased a simple point-and-shoot film camera during her pregnancy, with the intention of capturing our life at home. I had studied a BA in Design Arts, majoring in Photography - however, it wasn't until I discovered the magic of film that I really felt connected to my art practice. 

I soon began photographing my close mama friends, and that very organically shifted into offering motherhood sessions. I think mothers are so often forgotten in photographs and stories - probably because we are generally the ones taking the images of our children. 

The gift of allowing a mother to be seen in this way is what really anchors me in my work, and I have found that I have organically attracted a beautiful client base of businesses owned and created by mothers too."

Your photographs have such an intimate, observational quality. What are you looking for when you photograph a person or a family?

"I work intuitively, often without any 'plan'. Light plays a really big part in the way that I place my subjects, so this is often my first point of direction.

Most people that I photograph have never been in front of a camera, and so naturally, it’s a really vulnerable thing that can make them feel really nervous. My work is a lot about softening that, and connecting with the person in front of me. There is always a moment in my sessions where I get to witness a softness in their face, like their guard drops. This is where the magic happens."

How has becoming a mother changed the way you look at the world, both as a photographer and as a person?

" It brought me back to my child-like curiosity and playfulness, which I think adults really miss out on. Becoming a mother gave me permission to be human. To make mistakes, to grow, to slow down and learn alongside my children. To see beauty through their eyes. Motherhood is so interwoven through my work as a photographer, that it just feels like I get to photograph my experience of life as my job."

Your work is often centred around very ordinary moments. What is it about the everyday that interests you?

"I think there is so much beauty to be found in the mundane moments of everyday life. I also think the practice of being able to see beauty in those moments is a really great life skill, and parenting hack! Because otherwise life as a mother can certainly feel repetitive."

How do you make space for your own creative practice alongside motherhood?

"It's always a juggling act, but I have personally found that my work has always flowed really organically alongside parenting. If I am feeling the need to create, I will often invite my children to create with me. If I need space to create, then I am fortunate to have a beautifully supportive partner who values my work and will always make that possible for me."

What have you learned about your own creative process since becoming a mother?

"I think I have become less of a perfectionist and over time I have gotten better at letting the idea's flow without a perfect plan for execution. The process of creating gives me just as much, if not more joy, than the outcome itself. I have also learned a lot about self-worth and valuing myself as an artist. When you’re a mother you have limited capacity, so I value my time more."

What are you noticing in your everyday life at the moment that you might want to photograph?

"The change in season - Spring is starting to blossom here in Australia and I am noticing the little green buds forming on all of the trees, the flowers starting to bloom alongside roads when I am driving. My growing body as it stretches and transforms for the third time growing life. The small freckles on my daughters nose that only appear in the cooler months."

What are you making, reading, looking at or listening to at the moment?

"I find a lot of joy in making things with my hands. Lately, I have been knitting tiny little bandana scarves made from a mix of cotton and alpaca - for my baby next winter, but also little friends. While I create, I love to listen to a great podcast - at the moment, that encompasses a lot of home-birth stories."

Finally, what are your favourite SISKIN pieces?

"Since we are in a warmer climate, I really love SISKIN's Merino Wool and Silk. I find these pieces really versatile and breathable, and not itchy at all for sensitive skin. In the warmer months, I am drawn to the cotton pointelle pieces. The 'Wren' style baby and children's pieces are the sweetest style - delicate, feminine, yet still simple enough to style with anything in my little girls' wardrobe."