A wonderfully illuminating artist parent interview @artist_parent with Alexandra Carter @alexandracarterstudio, an artist from San Diego, California.
Tell us about yourself?
I am an artist based in San Diego, California. I grew up on a cranberry farm in South Shore, Massachusetts—a fact that continues to influence my work, as I weave cranberry imagery throughout as a personal symbol of fertility. I live with my husband and two children, born in 2021 and 2024.
My work explores the “monstrous feminine,” positioning the reproductive body at the core of the monstrous and challenging patriarchal perceptions of women as passive victims. Since becoming a parent, this exploration has deepened. The bodily stages of motherhood—conception (via fertility treatment for me), pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—are inherently monstrous, not in a repellent sense, but in an awe-inspiring way. This has led me to examine the monstrous mother across myth, folklore, and pop culture.
How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
My work has always been about the body exploding outside of itself. There is no more literal manifestation of that than bearing, birthing, and nourishing children. The visceral experiences of pregnancy, birth, and feeding have profoundly shaped my work, making the mother/artist identity feel intrinsic to my practice.
I often find myself saying, "I have so much to paint about," and it’s true. This stage of life is an abundant source of imagery, and I anticipate drawing from my experiences of mothering for years to come.
What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?
Time management. Parenthood has made me far more efficient with the time I have, but the time itself has become more limited—especially now, in the baby days, while my youngest is not yet in school or daycare. Right now, the biggest challenge is simply the logistical juggle.
Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?
Embrace your parenting experience in your work, however it manifests. I see parenthood as an asset to my art, reinforcing the idea that it can profoundly enrich creative practice. Both parenting and artmaking are acts of creation that can coexist harmoniously.
Also, find and support other artist-parents. Seeing how others navigate the balance between their creative and caregiving roles can be inspiring and validating. Community is key.
Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?
My exploration of the monstrous feminine continues in a collaboration with artist Heather Beardsley, depicting mythological figures (Lilith, Daphne, Medusa, etc.) in the midst of transformation. I paint with cranberry juice while she embroiders, creating layered drawings. See our work on Instagram:
@alexandracarterstudio & @heather_beardsley
Thank you to Alexandra for sharing her story and thank you for reading. If you would like to read more stories or for your work to be shared then follow and tag @artist_parent on Instragam.
Posted on Instagram 26th & 27th February 2025
