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Artist Parent Interview: Elizabeth Murphy (Mum Doodles)

A beautiful Artist Parent interview with Elizabeth Murphy (Mum Doodles) @mum_doodles, an artist from Glasgow.

Tell us about yourself?

I’m Elizabeth, a Scottish writer and illustrator based in Glasgow. I create art completely inspired by and dedicated to my beautiful daughter. I run a small business, selling my work and creating commission drawings and paintings.

How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?

How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
I think art is an expression of experience, and becoming and being a mother has certainly given me that! The profound journey of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood reignited my art practice entirely. If I hadn’t become a parent, my art simply wouldn’t exist as it does today, so I see that as hugely positive.

What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?

My art centres around being a parent and I have always been aware that it represents one facet of what is an incredibly personal and complex thing. This has always made it a bit challenging to put my art out there, particularly my writing, knowing it may not land as I hope. Thankfully, I have found a lot of resonance and support in what I do.

Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?

Approach your art from a place of necessity. Emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing, especially when embarking on the stresses of parenting! Art is an outlet to express complex emotions and manifest them in a beautiful way. It’s important, not only for parents’ wellbeing, but also for their little people, watching and learning how to navigate the uneasy parts of life from the way their parents do. Involve children in your process as soon as you can, show them the way.

Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?

I have self published 3 illustrated poetry books over the last 4 years. These have now reached 20 countries, which I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve always felt this demonstrates the universality in the way we love our children; a simple fact that travels borders and backgrounds.

Thank you to Elizabeth 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.

Uploaded 5th December 2024

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