💕 The highs and lows
What an eventful week it’s been!
Monday marked my son, Jake, returning from his year-long travels. As a mother, the past year felt like an eternity without him, so seeing him again filled me with immense joy. Welcoming him back at the International Arrivals gate at Gatwick, alongside my other children, Zac and Daisy, as well as my hubby, was truly a moment to cherish. Needless to say, tears of happiness were shed!
However, amidst this joyous reunion, Daisy found herself back in the children’s A&E due to a mysterious stomach illness that continues to baffle us. It's a chronic condition, and until we pinpoint the cause, conventional painkillers or medication offer no relief. Witnessing her in such agony and feeling utterly powerless to alleviate it has been incredibly distressing for both Daisy and us as her parents. There's truly nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing your child suffer and being unable to ease their pain.
Motherhood is indeed a rollercoaster ride, filled with exhilarating highs, devastating lows, and moments of frustration that can leave one feeling emotionally drained.
While Jake has seamlessly readjusted to life in Brighton, his wanderlust spirit already stirs, prompting plans for future adventures. Meanwhile, Daisy has shown gradual signs of improvement throughout the week, culminating in the simple joy of carefree play with her friend in the park yesterday.
We approach each day with cautious optimism, knowing that whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together as a family.
As a result, I've made slow progress in the studio, as my energy has been diverted towards my family and work commitments. Nevertheless, I remain dedicated to sharing my work on Instagram and here, aiming to generate momentum and, above all, to demonstrate my belief in my work. Ultimately, that's the essence of it all.
But as always, spending time in the studio and working on my drawings brings me immense comfort and joy.
🦌 Stag Artwork Update - Gold Foil Embellishments
I’ve finally made the stag into a test print! And I'm pretty happy with it. Gold foil embellished leaves and gold ink stamens. Keep scrolling to see it framed in the studio…in the meantime…
🎙️ Podcast Recommendation - Art Juice with Seth Godin
I've only recently discovered this podcast by abstract British painters Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher, and I must say, I love it! Two English lasses chatting in a delightful, down-to-earth style about life as artists and sharing a myriad tips along the way. I particularly adored the Seth Godin episode, which I highly recommend you listen to if you're an artist questioning whether to put your work out into the world.
💬 And Finally…A Quote to Live By
“A woman artist is not deprived by cooking and having children, nor by nursing children with measles (even in triplicate) - one is in fact nourished by this rich life.
I learned early on to regard all the time spent with children as a nourishment - a plus rather than a minus.
We lived a life of work and the children were brought up in it, in the middle of the dust and the dirt and the paint and everything.
Being a mother enriches an artist's life.”
~ Barbara Hepworth, English artist and sculptor
Stay creative, my friends.
What a lovely family ❤️ it must be great to have your son home. I hope they can get to the bottom of what’s making your daughter unwell 😕