A wonderfully insightful artist parent interview @artist_parent with Katharina Gahlert @kalypsi_gahlo, an artist from Halle an der Saale, Germany.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a visual artist and a mother of two. My artistic practice is rooted in textiles, though I work with a wide range of materials. I’m interested in processes that grow slowly and intuitively—often led more by touch than by sight. Art is not separate from my life; it moves with it. As a mother and as an artist, I see both roles not in tension but in conversation. They allow for mutual growth, over time, with space for curiosity, doubt, and change.
How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
Becoming a mother has had a deep and lasting influence on my artistic work. It’s a holistic experience—one that has sharpened my focus and made me more efficient and intentional in how I use time and energy. My children challenge my creativity on a daily basis through the sheer intensity and openness of their interaction. They expand my perspective, often in ways I couldn’t have imagined. At the same time, they grow up in an environment shaped by artistic thinking—questioning norms, embracing uncertainty, and finding beauty in the unexpected. It’s a reciprocal relationship, and it continues to evolve.
What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?
In the beginning, I often felt quite alone. As a freelance artist, I didn’t see many others around me who were also navigating parenthood—and there wasn’t much exchange about it either. That isolation made things harder, especially at a time when I was still figuring out how to balance everything. It took time, but later I began to discover networks and spaces that offered support. Still, some limitations remain. I’m less flexible—long residencies, for example, are simply not possible right now. For a few years, your time and energy are mostly bound to your children. That can be exhausting. But I also think: perhaps the energy I have now, even if it’s different, is deeper. Living with children can stretch your capacity in unexpected ways.
Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?
Community is everything. My strongest advice is: don’t stay isolated. In recent years, powerful networks and platforms have emerged that support artist parents—spaces for exchange, visibility, and mutual encouragement. These communities have developed tools, language, and momentum that make a real difference. Seek them out. Share your experiences. Let yourself be supported, and support others. It’s vital to see that continuing your artistic practice is possible—even if the path looks different. Finding role models, connecting intentionally, and being part of a collective voice can shift not only your own experience but also the structures around you.
Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?
I believe that honest, meaningful art is deeply tied to real life. For me, being an artist is not in conflict with being fully present in life—with all its complexity and intensity. Children are part of that. They bring powerful experiences, and those feed into my work in ways I couldn’t plan or replace.
Thank you to Katharina 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 29th April & 1st May 2025
