Aline Iris
Project: A Flower for Every Mother
A Flower for Every Mother is an initiative that supports new mothers who feel like they are losing their identities in the beautiful yet overwhelming early years of motherhood. Born from my own experience after becoming a mother to my daughter, Dahlia, this project is a personal and collective attempt to rebuild the parts of ourselves that get forgotten beneath caregiving, exhaustion, and societal expectations. After becoming a mother, I found myself surrounded by diplomas but disconnected from my inner purpose. I was lost and wearing masks that no longer reflect who I am. This project grew from that rupture, as a way to reconnect with my creativity, sensuality, power, and dreams through the symbolic language of flowers.
Each month, 10 to 15 Bed-Stuy mothers will receive small flower illustrations by mail, representing aspects of their lost identity (e.g. rose for sensuality, lavender for calm). Each envelop will also include a handwritten note with a reflection, and a journaling prompt, inviting mother to reflect on who they are or who they want to be. The illustrations and prompt will also be posted online, on a project-specific Instagram and Twitter pages. Mothers are invited to gather in-person every month, in welcoming spaces for mothers and babies. They will be invited to reflect and create together through painting, collage, self-portraits, poetry, or storytelling. The project will culminate in a collective art show featuring mother’s contributions, quotes, and growth, which will be displayed in a community space and online.
Each month, 10 to 15 Bed-Stuy mothers will receive small flower illustrations by mail, representing aspects of their lost identity (e.g. rose for sensuality, lavender for calm). Each envelop will also include a handwritten note with a reflection, and a journaling prompt, inviting mother to reflect on who they are or who they want to be. The illustrations and prompt will also be posted online, on a project-specific Instagram and Twitter pages. Mothers are invited to gather in-person every month, in welcoming spaces for mothers and babies. They will be invited to reflect and create together through painting, collage, self-portraits, poetry, or storytelling. The project will culminate in a collective art show featuring mother’s contributions, quotes, and growth, which will be displayed in a community space and online.
Bio:
Ali is an urban planner, artist, and community consultant who employs people-focused methods to create inclusive and meaningful places, especially for those who are often excluded or are harder to reach. Her expertise in urban planning, architecture, and psychology enables her to merge socio-psychological insights with structured and tangible strategies in each project. Her life purpose is to create spaces that foster connection, care and belonging, starting with her own home, where she lives with her baby, husband, and two beloved dogs.