Or so literature would suggest. I think it's about time we celebrated creativity amongst mothers - young and old - rather than vilifying them for daring to express themselves outside of motherhood.
I have been wondering about this for ages! Even bought Mason Currey's 'Daily Rituals-Women At Work' seeking answers. The writers who responded in the Guardian article make the right points. It's not about how many children you have, it's about the support structures you have around you. Men never seem to let fatherhood stop them after all!
So interesting you've referenced that book, as I have it on my shelf and was just yesterday looking at it and thinking: but why did a MAN write this book? I guess it makes a a stronger 'villain' character if the mother abandons her children, than if she manages to both mother and write/paint etc. But fiction can be powerful in terms of the lessons we take from it, so it's important that we challenge it when it's so bloody anti-feminist. Ax
I agree that I so need creativity to be a good mum. I need it for my mental health and I do anything creative solely for me but I also agree that I can’t DO anything with them around, at least at this age. They are 18 months and 3.5.
I really want to be able to have both things but I can only manage it when they are in nursery - the amount of time which is dictated by affordability. I also worry that any time spent on creative endeavours (which don’t earn money at the moment) is selfish and in a way I don’t care about that right now because I need some selfishness in my life, but I feel like I can only get away with it while they are young. I’m not sure if I have an answer but your piece has certainly got me asking lots of questions, thanks for sharing.
I have been wondering about this for ages! Even bought Mason Currey's 'Daily Rituals-Women At Work' seeking answers. The writers who responded in the Guardian article make the right points. It's not about how many children you have, it's about the support structures you have around you. Men never seem to let fatherhood stop them after all!
So interesting you've referenced that book, as I have it on my shelf and was just yesterday looking at it and thinking: but why did a MAN write this book? I guess it makes a a stronger 'villain' character if the mother abandons her children, than if she manages to both mother and write/paint etc. But fiction can be powerful in terms of the lessons we take from it, so it's important that we challenge it when it's so bloody anti-feminist. Ax
Yes SO important.
I agree that I so need creativity to be a good mum. I need it for my mental health and I do anything creative solely for me but I also agree that I can’t DO anything with them around, at least at this age. They are 18 months and 3.5.
I really want to be able to have both things but I can only manage it when they are in nursery - the amount of time which is dictated by affordability. I also worry that any time spent on creative endeavours (which don’t earn money at the moment) is selfish and in a way I don’t care about that right now because I need some selfishness in my life, but I feel like I can only get away with it while they are young. I’m not sure if I have an answer but your piece has certainly got me asking lots of questions, thanks for sharing.