On Being an Artist and a Mother
I always wanted to be an artist. I always wanted to be a mother. Sometimes these roles conflict, but over the years we have made it work. If this is your path, it is a beautiful one.
A few things that have worked for me:
-Keep a sketchbook app on your phone, so you can jot ideas and work out compositions in little moments during the day. This helps you to maximize your studio time because you are going in with solid ideas.
-Make art with your kids. Cover the kitchen table with a plastic tablecloth and use the good paint, the watercolors, the glue.
-Create art when you can, despite the messy house and the laundry and the shopping list. It will fill your cup and make you better able to deal with those other tasks. Art is not something you only get to do when everything else is finished.
-Speak with other artists. You simply must get together. Most people you know are living more traditional paths, and speaking with other artists is the best encouragement and motivation you can find.
-Follow your bliss. You are allowed to chase your inspirations and new ideas even though you're a responsible adult and parent.
-Keep a notebook journal that focuses only on your art. Your successes? Write them down. Your themes? Goals? What you want your art to evoke? Write it down. This will help track progress and add intention into your journey.
-Get your kids involved in age appropriate ways. The photos you see here on my website? There is a good chance my oldest son took them. Cleaning the studio or cutting paper are tasks older kiddos can help with. I also moved my art supplies to a little nook in our den so I could create while they had screen time or play time and still be present.
-I was patient. I did what I could when I could. There were long stretches of time with no art making, and other times I didn't create anything I actually liked. I appreciate my progress and hard work more, because I was stretched so thin already as a parent. Sure, I could be further along in my art career, but I am happy with my path.
-Have your list of non-negotiables. As a parent I try hard to keep my weekends free for family time, especially now that they are in school all week. If I teach, it isn't every weekend. If I do an art show, I keep it local only and prefer one day shows. I plan my schedule to include non-art related social time and rest time in addition to family commitments. I don't work for free, especially on a school night. Make your list and stick to it.
Mindset is everything: so put less pressure on yourself. Learn to be satisfied with the studio time you do get, thrilled with the creativity that flows into other activities besides art making, and remember that this long season is actually a short one that changes all the time. Know now that other tasks and commitments will constantly be a priority over your passion, art, and this is a dance you must do. An adventure.
To be an artist is often a solo act, but to participate in the art world, it takes a village. I have a great village, though its a small village. My in-laws are always up for sitting with my kiddos while I set up an art show or teach a paint party while my husband is working. My dad lives further away but is so supportive. My late mom's love for me echoes through everything I do. And I'm blessed with the support of friends, especially one that consistently shows up with cold water at hot outdoor art shows.
Including my kiddos in this art journey has been so fulfilling. I like them seeing a woman as an entreprenuer, earning money from a passion filled business. They give me ideas and encouragement on my paintings. They do still wish I painted only racecars. Time will tell.
Being an artist and a parent are two creative roles mixed into one big mess that I've really enjoyed. Best of luck and happiness to you on your journey!
-Amy
