How do you make
oatmeal for 3 kids, walk the dog, pack 2 turkey lunches, get everyone
to school on time and spend quality time with your husband all
while creating a body of work for an upcoming gallery show.
After all, you are an
artist, right?
When motherhood comes
along, two words can become difficult to separate, "prioritizing"
and "monopolizing". How do we prioritize our family without allowing
it to monopolize us? We are a product of many things and being an artist
doesn't just stop at the commencement of child bearing years only to start
up again while dropping baby Billy off at the college dorm.
Historically women
have created support networks to cope with many aspects of their lives. It's
been proven that these support systems have been intrinsically connected to the
success and happiness of the women involved. And so it was through a support
group I attended for many years with several other female artists that I
absorbed the mental energy I needed to embrace the many roles that combined to
make me the whole person I needed to be.
Our small group
discussed learning issues, homework and head lice. But most of
all, we talked about art. We shared our ideas, encouraged visions and respected
each other’s dreams. We figured out the big questions like: How do we fit art
into our lives? We kept art on our "to-do" lists and while doing
so developed a sense of pride in ourselves that was reflected back to us in the
eyes and hearts of our families.
My children are
getting older now and I am humbled by the level of success I have been
able to attain in my art career. I will forever be grateful to the wonderful
group of women who have supported me along the way and I am committed to
passing on all I have learned during my own struggle as a woman in the Art
World. I want to share the joy that comes with having
a fulfilling home-life and an active art career. I want women to know they are
not alone. I understand the drive to create art does not go away in the
delivery room. And I understand how difficult it is to keep a semblance of
balance between the two.
Maria Shriver once
said, "Listen to those who have done well, and you will succeed too".
Have your painting,
sculpting, design work, or other artistic endeavors been pushed aside since
you've had children? Are you hesitant to have children because you think your
art will suffer? Do you feel daunted about creating a healthy home life and
creating your work at the same time?
I have a drive to
empower and help women with their search for balance in their lives while
pursuing an art career. I am committed to facilitating groups in New York City
that can deliver the understanding and support needed for female artists who
are struggling with a busy family life. Women can juggle diapers and
paintbrushes! They can enjoy their journey as they learn to embrace family life
as a working artist.
Can you be a successful artist and Mother?
Yes you can.
New York Artist Anne Patterson
Ghost written by Petrina Ryan-Kleid
