The Motherhood of Art by Marissa Huber

Author:Marissa Huber
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: -
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
Published: 2020-07-06T00:00:00+00:00

Has becoming a mother changed what you want to do with your work? How?

In a sense, yes. It has given me this insatiable drive to encourage others. Particularly those that feel they can’t find the space in their lives to be creative. It has uncovered a more intense need for connection and artistic community. I don’t want to just be an artist . . . I want to be a champion of other artists.

Describe how you find ways to make work and keep at it through changing seasons of life.

I have broadened my definition of what my practice looks like. I have more confidence in the ebb and flow and certainty that even if I am not in the studio at this period, I will be. I know I need to take a step back at times and reassess where we are as a family, and have a realistic expectation of project timelines. I may say “not right now” to some opportunities and approach them again when possible. I do try to continue to be active in my sketchbook and journal as a lifeline and to stave off grumpiness.

How have your studio practice and art changed over time? Especially before and after children.

Since having children it has become more focused. There is a lot less wasted time. Even though there is still time I set aside to just play when possible, I enter the studio most days with a plan. Before kids, I questioned myself so much more and would spend too much time overthinking and assuming I needed to have it all figured out. That would lead to paralysis. I think overall I spend more time in my studio than I ever have. I allow it to feel like a meditation on the good days and get lost in the act of creating. A freedom that I didn’t allow myself before. My art is more open, more playful, and I feel like I have a better sense of the vulnerability in it without the fear attached.

Share your tips on finding time to create when you have a baby. Small children. Older children.

The big lesson that I learned about myself by the time I had my second child was that it was okay to give myself maternity leave from the studio. Having learned that my creativity wasn’t going anywhere, like I had worried when I had my daughter, it allowed me to relax into that fourth trimester much better. Yet, when you feel you need it, ask for help! Communicate to those around you that you need some time to create, and take the time you can. As my children have gotten a bit older, it’s a combination of finding things for them to work alongside me with drawing, Legos. and reading to me (my favorite). Most recently I’ve been able to talk with my daughter about what I am doing and why it’s important to me and how she can help me accomplish it. Talk about rewarding!

How have you overcome struggles or times of feeling overwhelmed?

Triage.

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