Written by Lauren Levesque

Andi Galdi Vinko’s book, ‘Sorry I Gave Birth I Disappeared But Now I’m Back,’ is emotionally dense, ripe with all sorts of complex emotions that women and individuals will encounter throughout their existence. Vinko writes in detail about the rollercoaster of reality that struck her once she became pregnant and how that impacted her career, her thoughts, and the overall assumptions placed on women who find themselves creating and harboring new lives. Vinko is heartbreakingly honest with the creation of her photographs, which serve as a visual representation of her journey. Her art captures moments of joy, fear, and uncertainty, reflecting the emotional depth of her experiences. She explains that even though becoming a parent meant confronting the reality of career, nourishment, and unconditional love, she still found a way to balance her roles as a mother and an artist. Upon reflection, Vinko shares, “I love being a mother. I also loved being an artist” (Andi Galdi Vinko).

The first image captures effortless tranquility. The woman floats in the middle of open waters, just laying back and feeling the rhythmic laps underneath her body as she hovers above the surface. It allows the viewer to gain a sense of trust within the photograph. If she can trust the safety of the open water as the sun glimmers upon her and the surface around her, why should she be wary? Sunlight then begins to lay and nap upon the growing bump as if it is casting sunshine all through her body, in turn creating an environment where nourishment and growth will weave in and out harmoniously.

The image above highlights what can be inferred as the reality of motherhood. The immediate emotions flutter to the surface are exasperation, happiness, and the desire to laugh. Even individuals who haven’t experienced motherhood can somehow relate and connect to this photograph; however, this image most likely feels like a memory for the mothers out there. As a viewer, you can simply feel the image. Whether it is dawn or dusk, the sound of feet pitter-pattering across tile and sleepy sighs rumble around the mind. Vinko has caught a moment that shows the behind-the-scenes of creating life and how raising a child means giving all of yourself.

The image above exudes annoyance and the feeling of being utterly exhausted. On one side of the image, the viewer sees a stain on cream-colored sheets with the mother giving the middle finger. Whether the gesture is about the stain and adding another thing to her to-do list, or of a self-vulnerability that the stain could be wasted liquid gold which attacks her subconscious is unknown. Looking to the right the viewer is struck by the containers filled with milk and set in snow. The combination is striking and promotes a feminine innocence.

Sorry I Gave Birth I Disappeared But Now I’m Back is available here.