wishmamas essay
A few months ago I was honored with the request to write an essay for the inspirational wishmamas website, a site dedicated to “heartfelt stories about the extraordinary journey of art and motherhood”. I said yes. And then panicked a bit about how much I should share… as it’s not been an easy road for me to be an artist and mama simultaneously. I’m stumbling…
Anyway, I won’t say more. You can read what I was able to distill for yourself. Maybe it’ll resonate with someone. Maybe it won’t. Either way, it’s my truth. Check it out here.
I am glad you are not being hard on yourself and accept that life changes. We don’t always get to control everything. While I try to, it never fails that something doesn’t work out.
And, I CAN’T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THAT CUTE LITTLE VEDA!
beautiful picture!
Good stuff, Lope.
Yes, you’re right – you are still creating, albeit differently than before. When this old mama looks back on the years she spent raising her daughter, I finally understand that the time I spent playing peek-a-boo, sewing Halloween costumes, writing notes to stick in her lunch box, and baking birthday cakes was invaluable. I created an environment for my child to thrive. I passed on my love of art and music. I made memories. It’s nothing I can hang on a wall or win praise for; I can only carry it in my heart. Motherhood was the greatest learning experience of my life, and everything I create now seems more grounded and whole because of it. I would not trade the last 22 years for all the art retreats in the world.
Oh my gosh, Penny. That pic of Veda laughing is ridiculously adorable. My heart is melting too.
Off to read your essay… xoxo
OK. I just read it. And man oh man, I am so glad that I’m not the only one who experienced the “death” of myself as an artist. (And yet, of course, I am not glad.) I have had very little desire or energy to create for the sake of it–especially to write.
But I am trying to believe that some kind of rebirth will come out of it, eventually.
I love you & your honesty. xo C.
Really like Kim’s comments. You do provide a creative environment for Veda. She will love nature, art, music, outdoors, animals, and learning in general. She is absorbing it even though it may not seem like it now.
A beautiful and honest essay. I know that it will help so many women who find themselves in the same spot. It is really hard balancing all the roles.
My son is 2.5 right now and has his own little corner in my studio with his own easel and little table. He just loves to be there with me. now whether I get “good work” in during that time is another story. :) But it has been so much fun bringing my passion and love for art and creating to him. We were just at an opening at a group show I was in and he ran around the whole space and stopped at my work, pointed proudly and declared, “Mama!” That brought so much joy to me. I couldn’t believe that he could already recognize my work. how funny! They absorb everything. I used to have to strap him to my chest with the baby bjorn to take photos of my work before sending off to a show! We do what we have to do, right?
It will get easier. much love to you and your little girl.
Having been through where you are now…Just enjoy the journey. My kids are grown, happy well adjusted and love me. I still have the company I started with my sister 23 years ago, when my youngest was 3 months old. Being artistic is part of who make you you, that will never go away. It changes…evolves and only gets better. Turn off those voices in your head, live in the moment, cry, laugh and remember to breath.
Thanks for your honesty, so many of us are thinking it and living it but not wanting to say it. By “it” I mean that things have changed…not good or bad, but different. Sacrifice and gain, as always, just in new ways. Thanks again for being brave!
The art will come back and there will be balance again. You had time to write the essay and that is impressive in it’s self! Good going!
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I chose my family and quit my job after I had my second child (my hubby traveled a lot for his work) 12 years ago. But my passion and love for Art never die. Although I am now very busy with the baby(3rd and final!), occasionally I still doodle and feel contented doing something that I like for myself.