Motherhood is by far the most important job I’ll ever do.
I fought long and hard to become a mother and am so happy to finally have those precious kiddos in my life. I’m so grateful I was entrusted with their lives. Entrusted to love them, care for them, teach them. To receive their love in return. They have made me a better person.
I’m grateful I can be here with them and for them all the time.
Yet art pulls me in every single day. It’s like a primal need deep within me. I have to make art every day to feel whole. It’s a vocation. It feeds my soul, my joy, my faith. And it makes me a kinder, more patient mother. If I don’t make art, I get crabby as hell.
So the most loving thing I can do for myself, my family and my friends is to make art.
But being an artist mama can be a lonely business. Working as an artist while caring for a family takes time and commitment. Sometimes sacrifices. Often compromises. It being a passion doesn’t change that.
I feel blessed to have met so many wonderful, super-talented artist mamas online. They have been a constant source of inspiration, support and encouragement these past few years. They make my life a whole lot richer and I love them to bits.
I think you’d love them too, so I have a real treat for you…
I’m thrilled to announce that in the fortnight leading up to Valentine’s Day I will post a series of interviews with arty mamas I adore. Starting this Saturday, six amazingly talented women will generously open up about their lives as artist mamas. They will share their working processes, their insights, and their trials and triumphs. You do not want to miss it! (The button below, and the tag “love that arty mama” will always take you to the interviews).
See you Saturday!
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This art journal page was made using book pages, watersoluble crayons, acrylics, stamps, stencils, ink, and pen.
I can’t imagine having to work in time for a young family while trying to do my art. My hat’s off to you and all the others who are doing just that. Your page is so full of love and color. I like the background with all the layers. Great page!!
And good for you for showcasing other moms who are doing art in their “spare” time!!
Thank you Janet! That means a lot to me 🙂
Looking forward to reading the series and love the button you made for it… so perfect…xx
Thank you!
Love this! And I agree wholeheartedly: I am the best mom I can be when I make time for my own creative pursuits. Really looking forward to your series!
Thanks Kristen! Yes, we have to care for ourselves first to be able look after others.
Beautiful post Carin… and gorgeous art journal page… looking forward to your arty mama interviews too…
Jenny ♥
Thanks Jenny! 🙂
“If I don’t make art, I get crabby as hell.” Best line ever. And so true.
As you know, late last year I had to take on a pile of freelance work… now, things have leveled out financially and I’m off-loading some of that work. I think it was a good experience for my husband and me… while we both have always respected my work as writer and mother, this time we really decided that my “art” is important and we’ll have to make other sacrifices if needed. The art is impatient and doesn’t appreciate being put on the back burner!
Lol! Thanks Angie! Someone else quoted me on that line too (on facebook)!
Glad things have levelled out for you and that you gained some new insights. And you are so right…art waits for noone. It doesn’t know the meaning of the word patience.
Will check out the series for sure!
“So the most loving thing I can do for myself, my family and my friends is to make art.” I love this, Carin! What a wonderful collection of interviews–I’m still getting caught up! Thank you for putting these together in one place for some much-needed inspiration :).
Thank you Sadee! And thank you for supporting the other artist mamas by reading their interviews too 🙂