Motherhood & Art Balance
Paintbrushes & Playdates: Finding Creative Time as a Mom
To be honest, I haven’t been in my creative groove as much as I’d normally like. I don’t know if it’s the season or if it’s just a wave I haven’t quite caught yet…but I’m finally getting the itch. It’s time to create. Though creating looks very different with two littles under four.
The Challenge: Creativity vs. Chaos
The one thing that tends to hold me back from painting with my kids around is wanting to actually focus on my art, what I want to do, without worrying about tiny handprints smearing across every wall. But honestly…would that be so bad?
It’s the question I keep circling. Do I bring them into the process and let the space get messy…really messy, so they can open up their little creative minds to whatever it becomes? Has adulthood (and the “normalcy” of owning a home) made me scared of the kind of wild, true creativity kids just naturally have?
Because when I’m really honest, that’s the most beautiful part of watching children: they just explore. And I want to foster that as much as I’m trying to find space for my own creativity.
Where I Find Time (Spoiler: It’s Not Glamorous)
It is a challenge to get what I need from my creativity, finding the time, the space, yada yada. People ask sometimes, “When do you create?” My most free time? Nighttime…when I’m also the most tired. Classic.
The only other solid time I get is when my partner James and I carve out personal days, one of us hangs with the girls while the other gets a full, uninterrupted day to be creative. Honestly, we both agree those days are magic. Solo time with the girls? Amazing. A full day to just create? Also amazing. A true win-win we’ve started leaning into more.
The downfall: those days are fewer and farther between than a creative person would prefer.
Inviting the Minis In
So it brings me back to the original question: do I involve the minis more and just let the creative space become…whatever it becomes?
A personal note here: I’ve struggled with being triggered by messes, by “not listening,” and the slow build of frustration that bubbles up like a little teapot ready to scream. I’m not embarrassed to admit it. Talking about it helps me confront it, and actually change my reactions.
My patience is not terrible, but it’s not James Nixon levels. My amazing partner has the patience of a saint and the best selective hearing when the kids are in full chitter-chatter-whine-cry mode. Truly something to be studied. Even when he’s not the preferred parent, he shows up with so much calm.
And honestly? My desire to create again is building so much that I’m ready to open the creative space to everyone in this house. Free reign, my loves. Let’s be creative and not box ourselves in. I know I sound like a weird little hippy, but creativity is meant to be free. Let’s see what happens.
Creative Prompt
When do you find your creative moments?
Mornings? Nap times? Late nights?
Or have you already surrendered to a creative space where fingerprints, paint smears, and mystery markings simply…exist?
