“Creativity requires space. Motherhood devours space. That tension is the work.” - Grace Gulley |
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| Origin (Oil on Canvas, 14”x18”) |
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The Art of Mothering
I can’t have a show inspired by goddesses and not include a pregnant woman. There are several Greek goddesses associated with fertility including Demeter (harvest/agriculture), Aphrodite (sexuality/procreation) and Hera (childbirth/marriage), as well as Gaia (our beautiful Mother Earth), who I am currently painting.
Origin is not a painting of one particular goddess but rather this idea - that creation and nurturance are sacred, and also, that this place we all come from should command reverence and remind us of our common ground. |
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We all have these two things in common: We all come from the same home - women. We all live in the same home - Earth.
And yet, in general, it feels like nations and neighbors are at odds with each other, largely (I believe) because both these life giving sources, under patriarchy and capitalism, are not actually respected, valued, or protected in logical, practical or meaningful ways. |
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Details of Origin. I’m realizing now I forgot to add some shadows here so I guess it’s not quite complete. Opps! Alas, the work is never done. |
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My ability to create, as both a mother and an artist, is so central to everything I am, and is a massive part of my day to day and mental load. As any parent or artist can tell you, it sure as hell ain’t all as pretty as a picture though. Most of it involves solving problems and making and/or cleaning up messes. |
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In life and in art, things often start off so orderly and quickly evolve into creative chaos. |
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I struggle greatly with the fact that society does not see or value my invisible labor as both an artist and a mother. The work and the tension between the two requires a great deal from me. Still, I believe these two jobs of mine are essential and valuable, and while they can be conflicted, they can also enhance each other. I believe (for myself personally) that I am a better person and a better artist because I am a mother, and a better mother because I am creative. |
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Here’s a bonus preggo pic of me, unknowingly taken the day before baby #2 decided to pop out. I can feel her kicky foot in my ribs just looking at this. Ouch! |
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Yes, choosing to create blood and flesh and bone from oneself is intense and powerful, but taken a step further, the choice to nurture that creation in whatever ways you can, even (and especially) from a place of total humanity and utter exhaustion, feels far closer to the concept of sacred love than any divinity I’ve ever read about.
If you’re a mama I’m sending you lots of love and understanding. This shit is hard! If you’re not a parent, my guess is you’re also finding creative ways to make this world more beautiful (which for many people equals not adding more kids to this hellscape). Considering our current conditions, no matter what you’re trying to create or nurture or even just sustain, it’s probably incredibly hard. Your labor is not in vain. |
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Another Matriarchal Moment
New cards are here!
I love African elephants. They're mighty, matriarchal, and untamable. They’re protective and sweetly communal with each other while taking absolutely NO shit! Plus, the ladies have tusks which is pretty badass, although in high poaching areas a significant percentage of females have now evolved to be tusk-less to avoid being targeted. |
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These cards work for Mother’s Day, but they also work for lots of other occasions - new baby, first birthday, days when you need to be reminded that thick legs, big ears, and long noses can be super cute, or really any random Monday when someone who really loves elephants could use a sweet card.
Available here: LibertyTown (Studio 16), Agora, and Ponshop. I hope you’ll consider shopping small and local for your mama this year. |
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In Progress
I’ve decided this time around not to share all the work and details before my show (Sep 10), so we’ll all just have to be patient I suppose. I can tell you I’m really loving some of the pieces and growing a lot. Also, I’m very tired. |
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Left: Feeling the weight of the world. Right: Feeling on top of the world. |
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STUFF PEOPLE SAY IN MY STUDIO:
“I want an open marriage but my husband doesn’t. I just want a lot of lovers.”
“My husband was an artist. He passed six years ago. Sitting here makes me feel at peace.”
(Honestly, I love that both strangers and friends feel safe and welcome to sit and share anything or everything with me.)
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I’m sorry (sorta) my newsletters are always so wordy and personal - that’s just how I be. I’m trying to get better about that, but I must put my heart into everything. It kinda sucks, haha. Thanks for reading! You’re pretty great.
Please reach out if you want and/or send this to someone who enjoys art of glowy tummies and/or elephants.
WIP always, dolly
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