My Artist Parent Interview

Interview by the lovely Colette Lilley, @‌Artist_Parent is an Instagram account dedicated to sharing the stories & artwork of Artist Parents, Grandparents & Caregivers.

Tell us about yourself?

I have always been creative, but I followed a less creative path as a Business Development Director for design agencies for 13 years. This role excited me but often left me overwhelmed and burnt out. When COVID pressed pause I felt I could finally breathe again, and it created a path back to art. For a very long time I felt like I had to be someone I wasn’t, and it was exhausting. Finding a flow state with abstract painting that allowed my busy mind to operate as one with my body was revolutionary. With each creative outlet I felt more centred, with a deeper sense of self acceptance and forgiveness. Obviously this was addictive so I have been on a mission to make this my livelihood ever since, and following the birth of my daughter I made it a reality at the start of this year.

How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?

Gracie is my reason to paint. I have dreamed of being a professional artist for a long time but I now have the most incredible reason, I want to build something of my own that fits around the demands of my little family. I can now be there for her every day and see her blossom. Just being a mum is also incredibly inspiring, it’s been really tough at times but Gracie is the most positive beautiful little being and am so proud of who she is already. When it comes to my practice I'd say I am definitely more resourceful. I spent 9 months of maternity in a beautiful baby bubble, occasionally finding time to paint while she slept, adapting to stolen moments rather than the hours where I could get lost in my work. This created a shift in my practice to be more focused and intentional.

What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?

Of course having a child obliterates time. Gracie has Down Syndrome so there are additional demands on our time such as always trying to find new activities to help her development and managing the million appointments we have with health professionals. Then there is just sickness, nothing prepared me for how sick and for how long Gracie would be when she started nursery! Coupled with trying to find the space to paint and nuggets of time to get a print on demand art business off the ground, I have found myself more overwhelmed than ever. I am a planner, and the disillusionment at being so far behind where I hoped I would be has been tough. But I always start each day with reasons to be positive, and I’ll just rewrite the plan.

Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?

Have a reason to paint and just keep going. Having your why firmly pinned to the front of your mind helps you navigate obstacles. Make a plan to help stay focused, where would you like to be at the end of the month, the year, in 5 years time? But don’t worry if that changes regularly, as a mum you need to be able to roll with the punches but not beat yourself up if you’ve not achieved what you wanted to in a day, be kind to yourself, being a parent is hard! Sit down weekly for 5 minutes and just re-write the plan - you will get there. This is of course advice I try to follow daily but I have my moments of ‘what am I doing?!’ I’m really lucky to have an amazing partner and support network to help me through those days!