for dear life is an image series about a desire for maternal control through photographic means. This work makes visible anxiety with my son’s aging and burgeoning independence. These images depict maternal conflict with the understanding that time persists, even as one attempts to stop it.

Angela Shaffer is a photographer working to bring visibility to hidden aspects of mothering. In doing so she explores the psychology, vulnerability, and banality of motherhood. Her work has been featured in exhibitions with Serchia Gallery (Bristol, UK), Ortega Y Gasset Projects (NY), Woman Made Gallery (IL), The Artist/ Mother Podcast (TN), The University of Iowa (IA), and the Sheldon Galleries (MO). Angela was a Finalist for the Palm Photo Prize 2022 and she was a 2021 Critical Mass Finalist with PhotoLucida.

Angela (b. 1983, Pennsylvania) received her B.S. in Art Education from Asbury University and was a High School Art Teacher for five years in Garrard County, KY. She currently lives in Columbia, MO where she is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the University of Missouri’s School of Visual Studies.