The Durational Performance of the Parent-Artist

Well before I became a parent, I grappled with the question of how to reconcile the dual roles of artist and mother. I wondered, how does a person who is never off the clock navigate the seemingly unattainable balance of art and life? My research led me to curate an annual public series of panel discussions with artists, curators, cultural producers and educators to talk openly about their experiences, support systems, lifestyle, the still prevalent “taboos” of the parent-artist, and how many of them have designed new structures and practices. Patterns appeared in these discussions and more questions arose: What are the effects of parenthood on art practice and how does this affect creative expression? What part of parenthood is excluded? What part is made public? Do our children become a part of the work? Do we make our choices from a need for survival, from a logical response to circumstance, or from a desire to subvert a societal expectation? I will discuss the work and differing family practices of five artists – Marni Kotak, Courtney Kessel, Seth Kaufman, Jamison Carter, and Margaret Griffith - whom I invited into intentional dialogue on this topic.