Life of an Artist in Rural Australia — motherhood

I've just applied for an award created for parents who are also artists or writers. Or perhaps it's for artists or writers who are also parents...this will be my last blog post (probably) about the juggle of parenthood and creativity/starting a business because I have other way more interesting things to talk about. :-) Below is the final part of my application. It's a bio, a description of how I came to be a working artist and how having a child has inspired and challenged my art and self. If there's one bit you read, make it the last paragraph. Sustainable...

So today I literally juggled my baby and my business. For some inexplicable reason, Salvador chose to LIE IN today for once and not wake up at 5.30am (I would insert the tears-streaming-down-face emoji here if I knew how to). So I lay in bed after my alarm went off trying to figure out which plan of action would create the least noise to not wake him because when he wakes up he wants a breastfeed and that takes 20 MINUTES (he's always been a relaxed drinker) and then I'd have to manage him and packing the car/showering/would I have...

Some days are fairly productive. Example: Early morning coffee with Jimmi Buscombe (of wombat fame, 80K views! click here if you haven't seen it yet...) who is an exceptional artist, friend and mentor. Fixed something on my website in Salvador's first nap. I can't remember anything else from that day, but I'm sure I did lots. I remember it being fulfilling. I probably bought some paint or something. Some days are less productive in terms of art. Perhaps I don't do anything, then drink wine when Sal's gone to bed. Today was half half. The thing is, it's almost impossible...

In 2016 I painted an 18 x 4 foot painting of The Twelve Apostles for the Southwest Regional Cancer Centre in Warrnambool, which opened in July of that year. It was a project particularly close to my heart as my mother died of cancer in 2011. I will be eternally grateful for the excellent care she received during her illness and last weeks which was largely due to U.K. charities similar to Peter's Project here in Australia.  As a small gesture, 10% ($9.50) of each print sale will be donated to Peter's Project. To buy a print, please click here....