Motherhood Series
Volume 10.
Tess Gigone

Tess Gigone is a Toronto-based photographer, content creator, and mother. Her work spans product, interior, editorial, and lifestyle photography. Tess works exclusively with film, capturing both the subtle and bold beauty in everyday spaces and objects. Through her lens, Tess transforms the ordinary into art, bringing a timeless quality to her work.

In this thoughtful reflection, she shares how bathing is more than a daily routine—it’s a sacred ritual of self-care. Through motherhood, she’s come to cherish this quiet space even more deeply, finding peace and connection with her daughter in moments that elevate the simple act of bathing.

"Bathing has always been a priority for me, not just a routine but something I intentionally make space for. No matter how busy life gets, I find a way to carve out that quiet moment of stillness. It’s my way of resetting—letting the water wash away the weight of the day and giving myself permission to pause. The bath has always been my refuge, easing both physical aches and mental heaviness, whether from sickness, period cramps, or simply the need for calm. Whether it’s a quick soak or a long, luxurious bath, it’s a space I create to breathe, unwind, and reconnect with myself."

"Motherhood has deepened my connection to bathing in ways I never expected. During pregnancy, it became my place of comfort, soothing my growing body and calming my mind. In labor, the bath was my support, holding me through the most powerful and transformative moment of my life as I brought my daughter into the world."

"Bathing is my way of coming home to myself. It’s a ritual that grounds me, helping me to release whatever I’m carrying physically or mentally. The warmth of the water and the stillness of the moment remind me to slow down and prioritize myself, even for just a little while. It’s a simple act, but it has the power to reset my mind, heal my body, and offer clarity when I need it most. During pregnancy, the bath became a daily reprieve, and now as a mother, it’s a way to reclaim a little space amidst the demands of motherhood. It’s the ultimate form of self-care—intentional, restorative, and always within reach."

"What I cherish most is the connection it creates—a quiet, sacred space that holds both of us. After my daughter was born, I watched her find stillness in the bath, tiny moments of peace in a big, overwhelming world, just as I have throughout my life. One day, as I bathed her, I was brought to tears, reflecting on how much space the bath has held for me through every stage of life—from my own childhood to pregnancy and labor—and now, it was holding her too. Bathing with her is a reminder of how much love and care exist in the simplest acts. It’s extraordinary to share something that has given me so much peace and comfort and to know that it can do the same for her."