Surrendering to Constraints of Parenthood: The Story Behind the “Wild” Collection

Exploration, expression, and mark making… inspired by the way my children play.

Developed alongside the “See Me” abstract painting method, “Wild” is an expressionist body of work that came from a sketchbook idea.

As the months progressed, I made time to come back to this idea that just didn’t want to be silenced. Expression, abstraction, and energy keep appearing. Letting this voice sing felt right, albeit a little scary.

I had to push myself to let go of “rules” in the traditional sense… convey form through experimental layers of color, wild brushwork, and embracing the intuitive marks that wanted to come forward. The possibility was exhilirating!

Wild is largely derived from views of nature while exploring local parks with my two toddlers. Watching them wander, explore, throw dirt, and make delightful discoveries inspired me to approach my own studio with childlike, brave curiosity. As a mother, I catch myself feeling overwhelmed at the task entrusted to me- I express that in these paintings as well, but with an element of hope that God is not only providing each step of the way, but also fill in the gaps of my inevitable moments of failure.

Exploring Something New

Sharing work in the journey feels really vulnerable. Where does the line exist of keeping things to myself and sharing them with the world? When is it ready to share?

Maybe it comes with feeling at peace with the journey itself. It’s ongoing, and that’s ok.

Because, the truth is, as a painter, I’m a wanderer. Exploring, studying, learning the business, learning about myself. Examining everything I notice, which is a lot sometimes. As a mother to very little kids, it feels just as unknown. Overwhelming, even. I joined an amazing critique group and one friend stated how overwhelm can be such a beautiful place where we find ourselves. Isn’t that lovely??

I painted “Unruly” (36”x36”, oil on canvas, below) out of an intense urge to explore this feeling I know understand as overwhelm. I wanted to break some rules that felt constricting. I experimented with color and layers in a new way, and wanted to feel free to make messy marks to express feelings of being in the thick of a journey.

“Unruly” 36”z36” oil on canvas. Contact me for original availability, or purchase a print here!

Observing the sun on overgrown brush on my little dirt road shed a lot of light on my journey as a mother (and artist). The frontier feels too big, I don’t even know what I don’t know. I know my little ones need love and nurture to thrive and shine, and sometimes I even overthink that. Creativity needs the same.

And then I watch my kids explore the same unpaved road. They stop and examine, throw dirt, notice everything. I admire their bravery and curiosity, I want that in my own life.

So I painted glimpses of that road. With curiosity, and with as much bravery I can muster, I show them to you. I take comfort in God guiding me on my journey as a mother and artist, and pray for wisdom in how to parent the little lives He entrusted me to care for too.

These days are inspiring (and exhausting) me to no end. The way they wander fearlessly, delight in discovery, and play with unbridled joy. We love visiting our local arboretum, and sometimes just the wilderness of the backyard.

“Wild,” seeks to capture the rhythms, texture, and subject matter of their brave adventures... as well as my own heartfelt response to motherhood. By painting and viewing this type of work, I hope it encourages you to push past your own edges and limitations, to explore, and to embrace your own childlike curiosity.

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