Many of you young mothers out there think you have to wait until your children are older to have time for your creativity. You think you're too tired to be creative. You think you're too busy to make art. So you are just waiting for that magical day, when your children are older, to have time to focus on your artistic side.
One young mother has found a way to bring it all together--her role as mommy and her art. Shona Cole has written a practical guide for fitting creativity into your life. May I introduce The Artistic Mother.
I have been asked to be a part of many art and crafting books, and each one has been a rewarding experience. But this book, to me, is a little different. It takes two of the most driving forces in my life--motherhood and art--and illustrates how those two things are more beautiful when they are in harmony.
Shona covers everything from writing poetry to step-by-step projects that will help you begin your journey toward being an artistic mother. She gives guidance on planning your day, photography and art goals. Scattered throughout are 'artist spotlights' from other art moms like Misty Mawn, Corey Moortgat and Susan Tuttle. Truly, this is a really good book and I'm not just saying that because I'm in it. :)
I'll close this post with the opening quote in Shona's book, by John Updike...
"What art offers is space--
a certain breathing room for the spirit."
Well said indeed, Mr. Updike. Until next time, dear friends . . .
(p.s. There are some amazing things going on over at Haiti by Hand...like a Mary Engelbreit original...and some bags donated by Amy Butler...just didn't want you to miss out--wink wink.)
hi rebecca! congratulations on being featured in this beautiful book! the challenge of trying to carve some creative time for yourself in between soccer games and ballet practice can be daunting! how wonderful to know that there's a book out there that inspires us to focus on the important duties of motherhood, while saving some important moments of the day for our art as well!
i also wanted to tell you how much i enjoyed your scrappy flower tutorial (and thanks for sending it to me so quickly!)! i had so much fun yesterday stitching up some scrappiness using some mary engelbreit fabrics in my stash! i've shared some photos on my blog....thanks for the inspiration, rebecca!! :)))
Posted by: lori vliegen | 24 February 2010 at 09:59
Hi, Rebecca. I have just finished reading Shona's book, and it is incredible. I and a few other ladies from other blogs are joining together to go through Shona's 12-week art course, and we'll be blogging about our progress. We'll do a round robin at the end of each week giving links to all of the other participants' blogs. If you know of anyone who would like to join us, you can get them in touch with me through my blog,
www.artisticcreationswithtrudy.blogspot.com
Would you like to do a blog post announcing this? That would be great to get the word out. Then together we can encourage one another to form the habit of doing a little art each day. What do you think? Hope to hear from you.
Trudy
Posted by: Trudy callan | 24 February 2010 at 10:44
i saw this book last week at barnes and noble and enjoyed all the projects. it was great to see you in it.
Posted by: ludid | 24 February 2010 at 11:04
What a fabulous idea for a book and being the creative mommy of four, I can always use tips on how to plan my day better.
thanks for the heads up.
Cari b.
Posted by: luckygirlgifts | 24 February 2010 at 11:05
I do hear that a lot from friends, I'm too busy to create. I cannot imagine a day without creating, thanks to inspiring artists as yourself and all the others I've found. I am blessed to see your work, buy your pieces and share in this creative world. Your post today hit home. Working full time and creating is a challange in itself. Everyone needs this book. I'm scooting over to Amazon.
Posted by: Rhonda P | 24 February 2010 at 11:11
Wonderful words...and it looks like a fabulous book:) Congrats on your feature!
Posted by: Leah C | 24 February 2010 at 12:30
I am so busy these days with packing to move and studying that art is far in the back of my mind. But I think sometimes that if I would just take a minute or 15 to create something - anything, stress would fall away in the space that art created.
Thank you for the quotation and for your loving heart for others, especially Haiti. I long to do more, but now is just not the time.
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | 24 February 2010 at 12:33
Rebecca, thank you for posting about this, but more for being a part of it. You are an inspiration to many including myself. Having seen your artwork in person ~ I want to tell everyone: if you think Rebecca's work looks good in print, it is more amazing in real life so if you ever get a chance to see it, take it!!!
Shona Cole
Posted by: shona | 24 February 2010 at 15:02
I wish I had a copy of this book when my son was younger. Now that he is 19 I am really back in full swing, working on making art. I might just pick up a copy anyway -- inspiration is always welcome.
Posted by: Pamela. | 24 February 2010 at 16:02
Looks like a beautiful book, Rebecca! I can't wait to check it out! You and Shona should both be very proud! :)
Posted by: Courtney Walsh | 24 February 2010 at 20:16
I just bought this for a friend for her birthday- but I want to keep it!
It is a wonderful book.
Posted by: lorraine lewis | 24 February 2010 at 22:03
I love the book and loved your part in it! I have a little part in it too, and was so lucky! I'm so proud she's a Texan! :)
OOH. PS I'm the one in your SB class with the pics of my teen sons! Smiles from Texas, Mendy
Posted by: Mendy | 25 February 2010 at 19:53
Dear Rebecca,
You really inspire me. It's funny you mencioned this story of a young mother, i think that's what happened to me, being a mother brought up the creative energy, like stolen moments.
Posted by: Júlia Rocha | 26 February 2010 at 21:22
this books looks beautiful... thank you for writing about it... there are so many artistic mothers and a book to celebrate them is wonderful.
warmest wishes
ginny x
Posted by: ginny | 03 March 2010 at 10:47