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Artist Parent Interview: Margaret O'Brien

An insightful artist parent interview @artist_parent with Margaret O'Brien @obrienmgt, an artist from Liverpool / Manchester.

Tell us about yourself?

I am a visual artist from Ireland. I work between Liverpool and Manchester. My background is in printmaking and moved into installation. Over the past twenty years my work has become increasingly experimental and non-commercial. I was a lecturer in fine art for 18 years at the National College of Art & Design university in Dublin and Crawford College of Art & Design university in Cork. I was also Master Printmaker and Studio Coordinator / Tutor at London Print Studio (2003-2008) and Black Church Print Studio Dublin (1999-2002). I am currently Deputy Chair of the Board at The Royal Standard Liverpool and served two terms on the board at Black Church Print Studio Dublin. I am with Rogue Studios in Manchester. I collaborate with Para-lab art / science group based across Greater Manchester.

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

Being a parent has changed my outlook on everything including my practice. Because I had much less time available for my practice I had to rethink the way I work and the kind of work I was making. I had to find a way to make work of equal or greater quality with significantly less time available. Also, I found I had very little continuity of thought in terms of my practice. Because of this I have tried to work smarter not harder. I continue to explore more consistent ways of working in the studio on a day to day basis, rather than focusing on large project based work only. I think this is a healthier and more balanced approach for me, although this will be an ongoing exploration, one I never fully resolve perhaps! I am also much more efficient with my time!

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

The biggest challenge I face as a parent artist is time - I think this is a common challenge. Before I was a parent my practice was my primary focus. I used to be in the studio six or seven days a week, working late into the evening if I wished or had a deadline. I was able to travel to install my work and to take the time needed to be on site. I did many international residencies which were very productive for me in terms of research and practice. Obviously with a child the luxury of this kind of time isn’t available. My weekly studio time has drastically reduced and my focus is more fragmented. Whilst I have still managed to travel and install on site, and to engage on international residencies, I have to factor in childcare as well as regular visits home so I am not away for too long.

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

Even the smallest activities can maintain a studio practice during the early years of being a parent. I found using processes that were easy to pick up and put down according to the demands of parenting worked for me. On a day to day basis, I couldn’t maintain practices that demanded a lot of headspace or complete detachment, but more immediate, low tech processes helped me to stay connected to my practice whilst being present as a parent. A lot can be achieved in a small amount of time, when studio time is available. Being realistic and adjusting expectations around balancing studio practice with parenting is helpful in terms of managing frustrations. It is possible to achieve big things with small steps – being consistent even with the smallest opportunities can be very productive.

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

Being an artist is a compelling force and maintaining a practice can be compulsive but its all about finding a balance and rolling with the changes. Being a parent is a wonderful experience. The different phases move by so fast that its important to be present. Once the school years arrive time does become more available.

Thank you to Margaret 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 7th January 2025

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