Briar Press, the letterpress preservation site is a treasure trove of all things letterpress. I just discovered their cuts and caps pages. Like a virtual job case or ornaments drawer there are tons of goodies to recreate some of the old via modern technology. So anachronistic! Yet so vital to the preservation and the spread the love of letterpress. These virtual drawers of ornaments are great for me as I am 35 miles away from my closest source of lead and composing sticks. I can get some work done here at home keeping my fingers clean and pinch-free. Don't get me wrong I love the atmosphere of the center but practicality prevails when you've got a pint-sized pip-squeak who can't really run amongst guillotine cutters and solvents. It is a great way to work in a bit of the elegance, class and whimsy of classic printing into my work.
Can I be both mommy and artist? I am sure some might say, "of course" Still others might say, "no way!" because my son should be my focus. What has the response been historically? In theory I think I do because my art is as much a part of me as being a mother is. But, can it physically be done. As of yet I don't have a very good track record. My studio is growing cobwebs, my shop is stagnant. I am lamenting my absence from this blog, my studio, my art. I can't get any work done. I am not regretful because I am spending time in the most delightful company. On the other hand I am a bit sad. Part of me is dormant. I am a Pollyanna so I say dormant, because the wheels are turning a stray sleepy idea makes it into my sketchbook from time to time. I am harboring ideas in the folds of my brain. A sweet little toddler is the most wonderful time and energy suck I am just longing for some balance. I have my eye on my prize. My hubby will be finished with work for the year and will have a two months of work time to myself. I plan on working full time. Hubby is going to help me organize and make my studio functional. I have a bucket-load of projects on my docket I only hope I can get some of them accomplished, it will be so hard to be out of the company my sweet little companion for hours at a time but I need to do this for me, for him. He is my focus, a healthy driven mommy with goals and a voice must be worth something, right?
Is this wrong, should I be feel guilty? Do I have a right to have my art and my family at the same time? There is a film that was shown in town recently that unfortunately I have not gotten to see but is something I will most likely purchase, maybe have a showing for friends. Check out Who Does She Think She Is? I am and artist and a mother and wife roles I cherish and need. I may not be doing the best job at any of these but I do have a plan to try to bring them all into harmony. To make myself somewhat accountable I will be outlining and reporting plans and accomplishments as they come. This will be a summer of my time to do as much as I can.