I excitedly accepted the invitation to participate in the Story of Mum exhibition. I've happily read and viewed other mum's artwork, poems, stories and rants. I've laughed, smiled, emphasised and sympathised, but as the time has approached I’ve felt slightly panicky about the prospect of sharing my own thoughts!
I’ve found motherhood a privilege, a challenge, a battle and a joy. After being told “time with children goes too quickly” when I was finding every day with my newborn daughter precious, but very long and exhausting, I can finally appreciate that comment. I now have two daughters aged 6 and 9 and I’m not quite sure where the time has gone! I’m looking forward to the adventures ahead and bracing myself for the teenage years with two girls. I’m very grateful to be sharing the journey with a fab husband. Although I will ignore his recent comments of “I’ll be working away a lot” when discussing the inevitable time of when they reach their teenage years.
So my contribution to the exhibition is as follows:
I CURATED THIS:
I identified with this picture, as I’m a mum and STILL an artist!
I’ve been working as a freelance artist / designer for a number of years and have recently completed an MA in Printed Textile Design. I had always hoped of doing an MA but didn’t expect to be finally getting around to it whilst being a mum! However the experience has been both rewarding and challenging. I had to work harder to manage time efficiently, in order to be dedicated to both children and work. Ultimately, I appreciated every part of the process and the outcome; perhaps far more than if I’d completed the MA pre-children. Interestingly my MA work and current projects are based upon the theme of identity and heritage.
I CREATED THIS:
As a creative type, I was immediately drawn to the Mama Mash-Up. I love mixing and matching different elements together. I have created a collage called ‘Creating Friendship’. I’ve used one of my textile prints representing the artist/designer aspect of my identity, a photo of one of my daughter’s dolly paper chains, to represent friendship (growing up as an only child friendships were important and remain so today – hurrah!) and finally I’ve added a picture of musical notes as music/singing have always played (couldn’t resist the pun) a part of my identity.
