Parenting and Photography

I named this blog mother vs. artist for a reason, one I haven't talked about yet. I find as an artist and educator that there is some serious prioritizing that has to happen to make "it" ALL happen. Recently I made the decision that I needed to begin to put my work out there, no one most certainly would be looking for me if I wasn't making the effort. I had in the past  been seriously debilitated by my own mind, stopped dead in my tracks by the overwhelming number of amazing artists and photographers flooding my computer screen daily. I am after all a perfectionist and have found it difficult to let go of that nagging feeling that I'm not good enough. This doubt is not abnormal, really it's been with me for 33 years. Confidence is something I'm working on.

So how does this relate back to parenting?

The balance that one must achieve is difficult to manage but I am far more productive when I am seriously overwhelmed then when I am not. That's why and how I can be an artist, an educator and a mother.
At times one part of my life has to give so the balance can redistribute itself where necessary. I do at times feel I need to make more of an effort to spend more quality time with my children. When that pot has been refilled I realize I must refill my photographic kettle and so I make more effort there. (I've been putting in so much effort teaching so that hasn't been lacking.)

I also believe that as a community of artists we need to accept and support each other, which is something I see happening and it's a beautiful thing. Allowing our lives to become part of our work is often the easiest way to blend the two when necessary. It's so common now to see both men and woman using their family or children as subject. It was always there, but never to this extent.

It feels good to know that there are so many artists looking to support each other. I hope the supportive communities we are creating for one another continue.

My Fundraising Page

OK People, I know it can be annoying to have friends like me ask you to donate money to their "cause". You know it's a good cause, but times are tough, I understand completely!
BUT THIS IS DIFFERENT because I'm not asking for a minimum donation, even $5 would bring me joy.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is SUCH an important organization to me. At least take a moment, read my fundraising page, and pass it on if you can't donate yourself.
I appreciate any help towards this goal, which is far greater than you can imagine. It is the goal of a lifetime.

Thank you!

My Fundraising Page

A Special Delivery

 I was visiting Ian Van Collers blog one day and noticed a post featuring this wonderful book by Photographer Noah Beil. I was very intrigued and purchased a copy for myself.  I was so excited when the book arrived and I'm looking forward to sharing the work with my students this week. 


After visiting Noah's site and looking at his Book, take a look at the wonderful work featured on his site. I think we'll be seeing a lot more from Mr. Beil in the future. 


Books:  http://www.noahbeil.com/books/ 

Site: http://www.noahbeil.com/ 

Donate Now and Buy A Print!

Please visit this site, Wallspace Gallery, and donate to Doctors Without Borders. You can purchase this print of mine, or one of the many other wonderful prints donated by photographers involved in donating a special edition of their work.

New Directions Show in Portland and Seattle

I have work in this show!

Working my butt off

I'm working my butt off preparing my applications for the academic positions I'm applying to this year.

Two for the price of one.

Saying goodbye to a friend

Soba 11-22-2009

Our beloved family dog was hit by a car and died earlier tonight. May she rest in peace.

She's some American girl

Gwen, an American girl brand doll, was released early this fall at a price tag of $95.

The company wanted to speak to the economical climate by introducing young girls to

a doll who's family apparently lost their home. Maybe Gwen's parents drove matching Lexus SUV's and built a 5000 square foot home with a faux stone facade. Eventually poor spending habits brought them to a place where they no longer could afford to pay both of the mortgages they had out on their home. Who knows what happened to Gwen, but now she's homeless. Your little girl may just learn something we call empathy if you spend $95. Buy one today and you too can teach her some of life's important messages.