MamaCita - News from our Studios

While MamaCita takes a summer hiatus, member Brenda Howell entertains with this self-reflection on motherhood, summertime and art-making.

Also, this fall MamaCita members will exhibiting in "The Varied and the Overlapped: Current Interests of Today's Artist Mothers" at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, Virginia. MamaCita members will host an Artist's reception on Sunday, September 11, 2011, from 1:00-3:00 pm. Visit www.mamacitaarts.com website for full details.

Art and Summer Realities- Brenda Howell
It's taken me way too long to recognize and compensate for some of my less charming quirks. I finally understand and accept that I do not seamlessly roll from one season to the next. I'm not just talking about winter to spring but seasons of my life. When things around me begin to change, first I sulk and then I stall. Even when the change is for the good (who doesn't like the first crocus) I have trouble shifting gears. I've noticed this is especially true when my son begins his countdown to the last day of school. I start to look forward to family trips, lightning bugs, eating crabs with my daughter and sunsets after 8 o'clock. But I have also noticed that my art productivity tends to sink to an all time low and, simultaneously, the guilt gnaws away at me. This summer season I have vowed to somehow balance my studio time with family summer fun time. So here they are, some of my epiphanies. If you're a mom and an artist you may have this summer art making thing down pat, or maybe not. If you struggle like me, I humbly offer up the following thoughts.

Adjustments, waaaaah!
Even though I think it will kill me, I must adjust my studio hours. During the school year, once my son is on the bus at 8:00, I can make a cup of coffee, check my email and be down in my basement studio by 8:30.
Summer Reality
I need to be finishing my studio time by 8:30 AM. That means I need to get up early. This is so much easier said than done for me. I am not a morning person. The other alternative is getting a second wind at 8:30 PM. I'm still trying to work out which 8:30 works for me. I know that to be productive it really needs to be both. I am in denial right now but hope by July I'll be "in the groove".

Stop Whining and Just do it!
No, I don't always feel like going to my basement studio on a beautiful day. So what.
Summer Reality
My muse has many voices. Sometimes she calls me to the local garden center and sometimes she calls me to the thrift store. Sometime she actually uses the phone and calls me for a morning cup of iced coffee at a friend's. Stop whining about how unproductive you are and get thee to the studio, you know that getting started is the hardest part.

My Child is Not an Enemy of my Art.
This is so obvious I'm embarrassed to admit that I sometimes think this way. Children are the purest artists. Make art WITH your children.
Summer Reality
Yes, dedicated studio time is needed for artistic growth but fun, unselfconscious art making is also necessary. Who better to do that with than your own children?? Your children can be your best muse. Ask questions, enjoy the time and let them teach you.

I Have Deadlines
Family and studio time clash and summer deadlines can be uber stressful. Duh, this is nothing new. Asking for help may be.
Summer Reality
There's nothing worse than an unnecessary martyr (just ask my family). Being stressed out about a looming deadline and not asking for help is stupid. Tap your husband, friends, extended family or hire a babysitter/mother's helper, and do it guilt free. I admit to letting a 90 minute movie on the family room TV babysit my 12 year old while I make art. So sue me.

Are You Serious?
If you don't take yourself seriously, who will, are you a mother or an artist?
Summer Reality
Well, actually, I'm both. Take your art seriously, no matter the season. Everyone has to make compromises but if you find you are ALWAYS compromising- .studio time, museum time, class time, and of course, money for art making materials, then perhaps you need to re-evaluate your commitment and passion. A little self-tough love could be all you need to push ahead.

Yes, summer can be tough time for martists (mom/artists), but I refuse to believe that I can't be good, if not excellent, at both. I wouldn't be the person I am without my four children. You know what they say, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

In conjunction with a vaccination education program, member Kimberly Mehler has just wrapped up a large mural project at CHOP Care Network in Flourtown. Here are some details of Kim's ambitious project. To request mural information contact Kim at kimehler1121@yahoo.com

Member Diana Trout has launched her new blog! DIana is currently blogging daily with top hits being on the posts about Labels and Stone piles. You can check them out here- dianatrout.typepad.com
Also here is her tutorial on YouTube of a simple journal made with cardboard, duct tape and rubber bands
http://dianatrout.typepad.com/blog/2011/06/duct-tape-journal.html
Stay tuned to Diana's YouTube video channel for a tutorial on making a necklace from recycled t-shirts.

Member Janice Hayes-Chas has been juried into a new exhibit "Score". The Art in City Hall show will be on exhibition from July 11 through September 16. Join Janice at the opening reception, Wednesday, July 20 from 5 - 7 pm, City Hall, 1st and 2nd Floor display cases, NE corner.