An insightful Artist Parent interview with Lindsey Moran @lindseyemoran, an artist from Liverpool, UK.
Tell us about yourself?
I'm a printmaker who lives and works in Liverpool. I have a studio space in the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool. My work combines the processes of printmaking and photography. I work predominantly with photopolymer plates - experimentally combining the technique with chine colle and archival inkjet. I enjoy a technical challenge combined with the unpredictable nature of printmaking.
How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
Most definitively... my son has just finished his GCSEs. So the last 16 years have been navigated through the eyes of a child/teenager. It encourages you to look at things from a different perspective. It prompts you to investigate settings including museums, galleries, theatres you might not normally access without the influence of a child. It encourages you to interact with the environment differently... slowing you down and cherishing special moments, big questions, funny discussions and profound statements that stop you in your tracks!
What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?
Time is the biggest challenge and getting that balance right. The journey ebbs and flows with family time and other priorities taking more time when my son was younger. Which in retrospect was very much the right decision. Making memories is so key to the development of a child... blink and he now a young man! Keeping your confidence going... ensuring you don't stop even when you feel there is not enough time to keep it going.
Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?
Keep your practice going... I nearly gave up my studio in the first years of being a parent. My partner, thankfully, encouraged me to keep going. Keep in touch with your creative network; these are the people who will keep you going and include you in opportunities. Set deadlines and find the right amount of time to help you meet them. Proactive use of social media ... I have to say Instagram kept me informed and in touch with developments, events and other printmakers. Find time to create as it can be therapeutic... time just to be you.
Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?
As my son has grown I have gained more and more time to spend on my work especially over the last three years. Entering open exhibitions and group exhibitions gave me focus and helped me to meet deadlines.
Thank you to Lindsey 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 3rd October 2024