Artist Residency in Motherhood
Artist Manifesto 2021
My art explores human perception, translating these experiences visually while integrating themes of loss, absence, and stewardship. I create works that reflect what I observe in the world, driven by the wonder it inspires, and aim to communicate in ways that evoke deep feelings.
Like many new parents, the birth of my child in April 2019 marked the beginning of a new life for me. Everything changed. This included how I approached my art career. Now navigating the role of Artist Mother I’ve realized that I cannot compartmentalize my time or creative energy if I want to authentically pursue my art alongside the demands of parenting and family. My goal is to rediscover myself as both an artist and an Artist Mother. As Lenka Clayton, founder of ARIM, notes, “It still seems to be a commonly held belief that being an engaged mother and a serious artist are mutually exclusive endeavors. I don’t believe or want to perpetuate this.” I, too, envision these roles not as competing directions but as mutually informing and inspiring one another.
To explore my creative practice as an Artist Mother, I will undertake a self-imposed artist residency. I intend to embrace the limitations of motherhood to shape the direction of my work rather than working “despite” them. I honor the new insights and perspectives I’ve gained through motherhood and will engage with these inspirations. My aim is to cultivate an authentic studio practice and develop a richer self-awareness as both a creative individual and a mother.
Special thanks to Lenka Clayton for her radical vision. To learn more bout Artist Residency in Motherhood, please visit artistresidencyinmotherhood.com