A wonderful Artist Parent interview with Stacey Williams @staceymwilliams79, an artist from West Sussex, UK.
Tell us about yourself?
I'm a Mum to my 7 year old daughter and an Artist. Trained in Fine Art Sculpture, my practice is now exclusively drawing based. Drawing has become my preferred way to make work as well as a perfect practice to mould around motherhood. Its ability to be fleeting and use minimal materials means I can do it whenever I have a chance. For many years after graduating I struggled to work creatively. I found full time work in education in order to earn money and this dominated my time. I drifted away from any real sense of practice or identity as an artist. However I kept a sketchbook full of drawings and ideas!
How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
When my daughter arrived it felt all consuming, for a time I don't think I even kept a sketchbook, but as she became older, with the possibility of having another child diminishing, I began to draw again. I wandered local beaches collecting seaweed, often on walks with my daughter, soon she became an avid beachcomber too! I'm so lucky that my daughter loves to collect things and loves to draw - we have a shared interest. The responsibilities and innate desire to provide care and routine as a mother has imposed time limitations on my practice, however I grab opportune moments and incorporate a time-based element to my work that complements my interest in portraying time, layers of time, absence and presence. This approach has completely enriched the way I draw.
What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?
I think I struggle to be seen, to find opportunities and regularly engage in exhibiting my work. Perhaps I find this difficult personally, but I also think it becomes harder as a parent - grabbing opportunities and working more spontaneously or for longer periods, such as residencies, which may not be practical. Exhibitions, meetings, travel etc need to be planned to fit in with being Mum. It's also really hard to juggle Motherhood, paid work (and earning enough) and dedicating time to your practice. There's no rule book and very little support.
Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?
Nurture different aspects of your practice when it makes sense. Perhaps at times you only have time to think and dream - doodle, make a few notes, read. Every experience and thought feeds into your practice and it's all the more rich and wonderful for it. I have found some of the limitations have actually opened up my practice. However I think it's also very important to acknowledge that these limitations can be challenging and that a wider discussion needs to continue between artist parents & carers and art institutions, recognising this and adapting to include their needs.
Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?
Consider collaborating! I've recently started exploring ways to work with other artists and it has really helped me gain momentum & inspiration! Also Seeing other Artist Parents/ Carers is inspiring and validating. I'm grateful to Chloe Briggs @drawingisfree_org for her brilliant mentoring support & inspired by Hettie Judah; her book and touring exhibition Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood
Thank you to Stacey 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 17th October 2024