A thought provoking Artist Parent interview with Jayne Simpson @jaynesimpsonartist and @jaynesimpsonstudio an artist from Lancashire, UK.
Tell us about yourself?
I'm a visual artist, I work predominately in painting but that has derived from a broad fine art base. I've worked in art education for 25 years. Currently I'm a Director at The Birley Studios and Exhibition Space, Preston where I have my studio.
My daughter is at university in Liverpool studying film making and creative writing, we are in conversation about our creative endeavours all the time, she is a great critic, I'm not sure she thinks the same of me.
My daughter and her poetry has inspired some new work for an 'expanded painting' piece I am making just now. Collaborating with a printmaking lecturer and course leader in fashion and costume at Blackpool School of Art.
How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
Well there is always a source of inspiration that is detached enough not to be autobiographical but near enough to know the source is a mirror or port on which to reflect, develop, improve oneself and inspire ones practice.
When she was little my practice had to adapt a lot but we found ways of being creative together as my mum did with me.
The subject or the materials were different but inventive and resourceful methods of creating were adopted, now my practice is better for learning that patience and opportunity of slowing down, you have to go with it.
I learnt the baby doesn't get hungry when it suits me! I think this is a useful lesson outside of artistic practice too. Everything is so fast and conveniant now and for what good? The patriarchy? Capitalism?
What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?
I wanted to put my parenting first but I also realised you are a parent to your practice too. You have to juggle hard and there was little empathy in th early 2000's. You have to get used to everything being compromised and fast; work, practicing, parenting, self-care, relationships. The world has advanced and that is still in conflict with some traditional ideas from collegues, family, oneself.
You learn fast that you are under scrutiny once you become a parent and everyone has an opinion too, ignore it, go with your instinct. I've learnt a lot about being kinder, less critical of myself from my daughter as she's grown up. I am incredibly fortunate also that I can celebrate my partner of 30 years who has encouraged me to trust in our parenting approaches/investments too.
Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?
Do what you can, you don't think it in the middle of children growing but the time will go fast. Relish the days they slow you down, enjoy them picking up every leaf and stopping in every puddle because before you know it you're back on the treadmill and you will long to be slowed down by them again.
It is only now I question the constructs that were hurrying me through to the other end of my child growing. Those investments in time are doing more to nourish your creativity than you will ever realise, also I think precious moments of learning, growing together with a child is probably the biggest creative investment you will ever make.
Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?
Our exhibition 'The Pearls & The Oyster' opens 4th October at The Birley Studios in Preston.
It's an exhibition of paintings by 13 female painters from the North. We wanted to celebrate the work by a diverse group of artists, some mothers, all incredibly hard working, generous and inspiring. https://www.spacehive.com/the-pearls-and-the-oyster
Thank you to Jayne 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 1st October 2024