I am part of NDAC a collective of Dance Artist in Norfolk. We formed in January 2016 and have received Grants for The Arts funding to figure things out.
As part of this we each have been allocated a lump sum to spend of R&D. My R and D is to help me figure out how to develop my practise as an Artist and newly unqualified mother! I will spend it on what I need to move forward to creating further oppertunities to research into this new angle of my practise. So far...... I have found it quite tricky to have time and mental energy to research into what I need. As a mother I am finding my time is dedicated to my little cherub! This is why I decided to create work about my relationship with him. (more on this later) I always find when I have been given funding opportunities in the past it has been very overwhelming. It is a double edged sword of possibilities. I have this great opportunity to indulge in myself but yet on the other hand I have no time to use it AND on the third hand the opportunities are very limited for me as a breastfeeding mother with a small child. This has become part of my research. Exploring the barriers and finding opportunities within these restrictions.
These seem to be the main challenges so far. As a result of these discoveries and to remain open to the possibilities I have decided to host my own series of workshops/playfulness sessions. Today I am hosting an Artist Picnic of which I am the only guest! (Even my son has opted for a nap!) Im having a great time thank you. I genuinely mean that too. So my creativity needs time and space to breath and that is what I am doing now, with a coffee and pastry in hand! I once wrote about how to 'be' and remain in the process and creative flow. I think it is about showing up for yourself and saying I am committed to this moment. Even if you see no results/product just showing up on the page, computer or in space is enough. You are starting. You are opening yourself up to the possibilites of creativity. So here I am....... I have several questions to ask myself:
In NOVEMBER 2016 I will be hosting a discussion as part of NDAC 'Dance-In' event. I will be opening up a discussion based on creating work as a mother/parent. Questions which I am grappling with so far are:
MOTHER-ARTIST PICNIC Over the last few months I have been re-thinking what I am interested in and why. I need some inspiration! I have decided to host a series of picnic/playdates. I will be inviting mothers/parents who create/make to come and chat and play together with their children. It will involve food, chat, movement and whatever else comes up! If you are interested in getting involved message me via facebook He's awake!
2 Comments
Anna Rowe
9/29/2016 06:51:45 am
Love love love your research! I am in exactly the same boat with a 14 month old scamp running about. Attempting to embrace the multi-faceted role of being a creative mind, milk producer, dancing body with artistic ideas & masses of domestic chores. email me with your ideas & id love to meet up for a picnic & chat with the babes!
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Kayla St Claire & Jonah Ray Bainger
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