Can Mothers Ever Be Successful Artists?

Motherhood & careers are a constant juggling choice women are often forced to negotiate, regardless of their role or job sector.

The creative industries are unfortunately no different, with many declaring domestic work as ‘the enemy of creativity’.

Berthe Morisot and her daughter, Pierre Auguste-Renoir, 1894

But where does this notion stem? This forced crossroads that suggest women either walk the path of motherhood, or the path of artistry but rarely both. 

ArtSpace argues it’s a long held myth that artists exist on the fringes of society, enigmas who choose to work within the world of Art rather than wider society.

This stigma has helped push a notion that children are the antithesis of creativity.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner (Sunday 14th March) we’re reminded of just how frustrating it can be to find balance between parenting and creativity.

The challenges of Covid-19 have added further pressures into the mix of motherhood and artistry. The balancing act of parenting and workload is more hectic than ever, with the burden of life in lockdown predominantly falling on women.

Mothers are more likely to have faced job loss and are taking on an average of six extra hours a day of care and supervision.

Perhaps it’s finally time to celebrate the role of Mother Artist, to champion the women who find that careful balance and master the circus of parenting as a creative particularly at a time when this balance has become ever-more challenging.

There are many women battling stigma and overcoming the barriers. Check out Sartle’s list of 10 Mother Artists who greatly deserve their kudos for influencing the Art world whilst raising children.

Barbara Hepworth with her daughters Rachel and Sarah, 1965

Jenny Holzer with Lili Holzer-Grier, 2011

Mother Artists are truly exceptional, women who work tirelessly at their craft whilst simultaneously raising children and managing the household.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to champion the fantastic women raising children whilst carving their creative careers.