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Oct 28, 2009

Who Does She Think She Is?

A new client sent me a link to the documentary film by Pamela T. Boll (pictured above) about women who are combining motherhood and creativity called Who Does She Think She Is.

I intend to see the film asap for two reasons. I am a fan of anything that encourages women to take time for themselves and their art, even when family responsibilities are a priority. And, after watching a you-tube clip of the filmmaker and her three sons talking about the impact of her career on them, I plan to ask my grown children to see it as well.

I started exhibiting my artwork in 1970, several years before my first daughter was born. After her birth, I kept my pinky finger in the creative world participating in one craft show a year in a neighboring town and teaching one or two continuing ed classes on quilt-making. Being a full-time mom was my higher value, but I needed something else that was just mine.

I increased the number of shows and workshops as I got better at managing motherhood, but still spent the bulk of my day with my children. By the time my youngest was born, I had set up art classes in our family room. I was featured in a book called Of Cradles & Careers: A Guide to Reshaping Your Job to Include a Baby in Your Life. The photo shows a student  sketching on my left, next to me carrying my infant daughter in a backpack, my toddler son gesturing on my right. Those were very full days!

As my kids and art business grew, they participated along the way. What I loved about the you-tube clip of Pamela and her sons was these young men voicing how special it was growing up in a household where creativity and their mother’s art were organic parts of their experience.

I’d love to hear how other artists and their families reflect on the experience of having a thriving, creative mother in the home. I always knew that my creative expression was essential to my well-being. Seeing the video clip from Who Does She Think She Is illustrated how beneficial it was for her family as well.

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3 Comments

  1. Pamela Tanner Boll

    Jane:

    So very nice to read this commentary on our film, WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS? I actually had to be talked into doing the interview with my sons….as I wasn’t sure they wanted to be on camera and because their father was not too happy about publicizing any aspect of our family life. But, I am glad I did make the video and so are my sons.

    Actually, my oldest son, Ian, edited this video. And a friend of our Outreach Coordinator composed the music. I love working like this–everyone, family and friends, has a part to play.

    As for the film, I hope you do get a chance to see it! It will be playing in New York City as well as some theaters around the country on November 8 at 2:30 pm. More information is on the site: http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net

    We are also selling “House Party Kits” so that you can watch the video with friends and family. Check out our website for how to purchase it.

    Again, I was so touched by your blog and would love to link this to ours. Let me know if we can do that.

    Good wishes for your own work and life.
    yours, Pamela

    Reply
  2. Alisa Darmstadt

    I am also the mother of three boys and all I could think about as I watched this clip is “what will my boys say about me when they are the ages of Pamela’s sons?” (my oldest is 12). My boys are always very supportive and proud of my work (interior decorating) and love to be involved whenever I have a public event (homeshow, for example). Yesterday my oldest sone designed a dream office/studio for me.

    Although my creativity has a big influence on them, I also feel that my business owner work is enriching their lives as well. They see me celebrate my successes, cry over my mistakes, pick myself up again, and struggle with various decisions. I think it has given them the idea that they can make anything happen. One wants to start a non-profit (my husband’s work) and the other two have a store idea brewing.

    We are currently adding on to our home and they will all get new or renovated bedrooms and I am looking forward to decorating their spaces with them. I want to nurture their own ideas and creativity in their space while teaching them some important design priniples. I think it will be a good bonding experience. One son has chosen a horrific green for his wall color and we will talk about choosing another shade that is similar but not so offensive or incorporating the chosen shade in smaller ways than painting all four walls that color.

    Thanks for continuing to inspire and challenge me, Jane. I love your blog!

    -ALISA

    Reply
  3. janepollak

    @Pamela
    I’m so glad you wrote! I ordered the home party edition over the weekend and can’t wait to view it, then decide whom to invite to share it with.

    @Alisa
    Thank you for sharing how your role model has inspired your family. I love how you’re handling the freedom of choice you’ve given. I appreciate your feedback and wisdom.

    Reply

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