An inspiring and courageous artist parent interview with Vanessa Lawrence @vanessalawrencexx, an artist from Brighton, UK.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a Brighton based Artist & Educator. My home studio encourages creative ebb & flow around the daily juggle as a working mother of 3 children. In 2015, shortly after my son was born, I was diagnosed with cancer. With improved health in 2017 I rekindled my love of drawing the Royal Drawing School. The evening classes fitted around work & childcare. In 2022 I graduated from their Postgraduate Drawing Year. Since then I have continued to create opportunities to draw, documenting moments of unique choreography (Royal Ballet, Trinity Laban), breathtaking acrobatics (Brighton Festival) and show-stealing couture ( London Fashion Week 2022-24). I balance my creative projects with educational work, clients include Tate, Barbican Centre, National Gallery, V&A and Guildhall.
How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
The duality of my son’s birth and my cancer diagnosis was transformative. My creativity flows out into the world. Parenting and navigating illness is isolating. I cherish my creative community, meeting kindred spirits in life rooms, exhibitions & events. Previously, creativity often unfolded in fits and starts. I feel my life experiences reframed my creative practice. There is a golden thread of creativity that runs through every day. From my daily morning practice of drawing to music, to a live events that take a lot of consideration and preparation; I prioritise the time to make it happen. I am often working at unusual hours, either early in the morning or late at night. This could be due to the scheduling of live events, or a snatched slice of time when the house is quiet.
What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?
Some institutions and galleries have what feels like a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to parenthood. Opportunities are offered last minute, without lead time for planning childcare and arrangements. There are assumptions about self funding opportunities or payment schedules that create financial challenges. Age limits for residencies, awards, funding and opportunities feel unhelpful. If this sounds achingly familiar read HOW NOT TO EXCLUDE ARTIST MOTHERS (AND OTHER PARENTS) By Hettie Judah,. This year I created the opportunity to draw live performances as Artist in Residence for Brighton Festival. I paired with Fabrica Gallery, Spiegeltent and Picturehouse cinemas. It was an incredible experience that grew both my practice and creative community.
Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?
Nurture is the perfect word! As parents it’s our very core. So, the good news is…you’ve got this! My advice is to create some rules to work by. • Grow a daily creative practice. If you are stuck, start with a 20 minute timer, 5 minute break, repeat…until you find your flow. • Schedule your studio time the same as work/school/events. No one will “give” you this time, you need to take it. • Creative practice is everything. Finished pieces & projects bubble up through doing. • Understand that creativity and criticism are two different practices. Don’t do both at the same time. • Some days surrender to your inner child. Carpet sprawl, nose to the paper, with all the colours available to you. Feel the intimacy, do not step back. Spend a while there. Something amazing will happen.
Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?
Artist Support Pledge participant, awarded the Jackson Award in 2024. Exhibitions include •The Sussex Contemporary 2023 & 2024. •The Gallery at Green & Stone Exhibition 2023 2024. •Tour Art Prize & Figaro at Glyndebourne October 2022 (www.artuk.org) . •Adventures In Apparel. London Fashion Week Exhibition 2023-24, • Picturehouse, Brighton 2024.
Thank you to Vanessa 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 10th December 2024