CAPTURING CHILDHOOD: A PORTRAIT OF MEMORIES

The unveiling of Sophie's portrait is more than a simple moment—it's a profound reflection on the intricate tapestry of childhood memories. These fragments of time are more than just a painting ; they are the delicate brushstrokes that weave together our understanding of life and love. What do childhood memories truly represent? Why do they hold such profound significance in our hearts?

In this exploration, Victoria and Shari invite us into their worlds, sharing personal insights into the art of preserving and celebrating childhood's most precious moments.

Victoria's Story

Victoria, a mother of four living in Texas, understands the fragility and beauty of life through a lens tempered by personal challenges. Her journey has taught her to embrace each moment of childhood as a miraculous gift. Her daughter Sophie, the charming winner of our latest "Pet and Princess Contest", recently received her special prize—a beautiful portrait by renowned artist Shari Ford.

Dear friend of our brand, she has collaborated on several dress projects : the royal capsule dress and bubble set as well as the Sophie Chérie Ladurée inspired dress.

Capturing a Moment

Tell us about the photograph you submitted to the contest. What makes this mother-daughter moment so special to you? 

I have always dreamt of a portrait of Sophie and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in Shari's previous contests. It was such an incredible honor to have won! I will never be able to adequately express our gratitude!

We began our photo session by carefully selecting every detail with intention and care. We chose our latest Charlotte sy Dimby dress, a treasure acquired directly from the Parisian store during our most recent family adventure. It's a timeless classic blue and white striped piece that magnificently brings out the deep azure tones in Sophie's eyes. If you examine the smocking closely, you'll discover they form delicate floral Eiffel towers—a special reminder of the trip to Paris where we purchased the dress, and of my place of birth! 

We completed the look with a classic Wee Ones longtail white bow, adding just the right touch of feminine elegance to frame her sweet face. For her companion in the portrait, we selected a teddy bear with its own cherished history—it originally belonged to my eldest son Beau and has been a faithful participant in countless imaginative adventures.

The photo was taken in the meticulously cared for garden of my husband’s aunt and uncle. We celebrate every Mother’s Day in their garden, because it is always at its peak beauty in the mid Spring. Another sweet piece of this is that twelve years ago, my husband and I took our wedding portraits in the same garden. Each and every detail of this painting has deep symbolism for our family and I know that in the highs and lows of our days ahead it will always bring light to us!

Can you describe the emotional experience of unveiling Sophie's portrait? How does this artwork become a memory in itself?

What are some of your favorite traditions and approaches to creating lasting memories with your children? How do you balance tangible keepsakes with intangible experiences?

So many of our traditions are focused around the four seasons and the holidays in each. The core of all of our traditions is family time and I love dressing the children seasonally and taking lots of photos to capture those memories. I heard something once about how we cherish photos of our parents and grandparents so much because there are so few of them. This is very different than how our youngest generation will grow up with the accessibility of photography, but there is still something so special about capturing those memories, and special mementos. I have found that rather than gifts from the souvenir shop, it’s the shells we collected on the beach, matchboxes from special dinners out, and our own photos that really preserve the memories.

In your view, why is the creation of memories so crucial in a child's life and a family's narrative?

I feel very passionately about leaving a meaningful story of our family behind for future generations. As culture is ever evolving and the pace of life constantly increasing, it’s so important to both take time to look back at our legacy and to keep it alive by adding our own chapter to it. I consider it as important to educate our children by telling them the story of all of the loved ones, by passing down traditions, it's a way to give them strong roots.

This Christmas, my husband’s grandmother looked at her three living children, her seven grandchildren and their six spouses, and seventeen great grandchildren and proclaimed “all of this because of me and grandad!” That perspective really left me speechless... 

It is incredible the way that our families unfold, grow and write new tales with each day going by. Capturing and preserving that heritage is such a gift. 

How do you see timeless clothing and traditional attire as a means of celebrating and preserving childhood?

Timeless clothing is another great passion of mine. I feel that dressing children in such a way preserves history, and just adds such a lovely aesthetic to daily life. I know that when I am old and grey, I will look back on the years I spent dressing my children, and the photos (and paintings!) with such love and joy. It’s such a brief piece of time and setting it apart makes it even more special.

Shari's Perspective

Based in Tennessee, Shari Ford is an accomplished artist whose oil portraits are celebrated for their impressionist style, tender grace, and exceptional ability to capture the essence of her subjects. Her work goes beyond mere representation; it is a heartfelt preservation of childhood's fleeting magic.

The Artistic Preservation of Memories

As an artist, how do you view the role of a portrait in creating and preserving memories?

A portrait is much more than a mere representation of a person; it serves as a timeless way of capturing the essence of an individual. Commissioning an oil portrait at a young age both creates and preserves memories that capture the fleeting nature of childhood through careful attention to unique features, expressions, and personality.

As the child grows, the portrait becomes a reminder of their innocence, joy, and early years, freezing in time a period that will soon be gone. This piece then turns into a cherished family heirloom, passed down as a way to offer future generations a tangible connection to the past. Through a portrait, parents and families not only commemorate a specific moment in the child’s life but also create a legacy, honoring the memories of who they were at that precious stage, forever captured in paint.

Indeed your artwork is designed to endure. How do you approach this significant responsibility of time-honoring documentation?                            

To ensure these portraits stand the test of time, I use only the finest materials, such as high quality oil paints that are rich in pigment and known for their lasting vibrancy. The canvas is made of premium Belgian linen, chosen for its durability and ability to hold the paint for centuries without degrading. Additionally, I rely on the craftsmanship of fine handmade brushes from Rosemary & Co. of Cowling, Yorkshire, which allow for the delicate precision and texture that brings each portrait to life. This commitment to exceptional supplies is essential to guarantee long lasting portraits.

Beyond your professional work, what are your personal traditions for creating and cherishing memories with your loved ones?                                    

Since my girls were young, we like to celebrate special occasions by hosting beautiful teas for friends and family with pretty homemade desserts and colorful fruits and vegetables, all arranged artfully on silver trays and crystal bowls. My daughter, Sofi, who has become an expert at flower arrangements, has recently been using ginger jars as vases. She creates stunning centerpieces using simple finds from the grocery store, along with greenery and flowers from our garden.

How does your artistic perspective influence your understanding of childhood and memory?

An artistic perspective frames experiences through a lens of creativity, emotion, and interpretation. Childhood is not just a collection of events, but a rich tapestry of feelings, moments, and impressions that can be captured in a way that transcends simple representation. Through art, the fleeting nature of childhood is immortalized, allowing emotions and memories to be experienced again in a deeper, more evocative way. The artist’s perspective elevates the nuances of childhood—such as the innocence, wonder, and growth—into timeless visual stories that offer insights into both the child’s inner world and the shared experiences of growing up. Art, in this sense, does not just preserve memories but enhances them, offering a more profound connection to the past, allowing us to see childhood with fresh eyes.

What do you believe makes a portrait truly timeless?

A portrait becomes truly timeless when it captures not just the physical likeness of the subject, but their essence—conveying something deeper about their character, emotions, and spirit. Timeless portraits transcend the fashion or trends of a particular era and instead focus on the qualities of the subject that resonate across generations. The artist's ability to convey a sense of life and depth, using light, texture, and composition, imbues the portrait with a lasting presence, allowing it to remain meaningful long after its creation. When done with skill and care, a timeless portrait can evoke a sense of connection, allowing future generations to not only recognize the physical features of their ancestors but also feel the emotional and personal significance of the individual. It stands as a perpetual reminder of who that person was, preserving their legacy in a way that continues to engage and inspire, no matter the passage of time.

Create your own memories

Contact Shari Ford by email at info@shariford.com to book your own portrait session.

Contact us at info@charlottesydimby.com to be guided in finding the perfect dress for your child.