Just for fun.

Painting has been a crazy journey for me and I am so in love with it now more than ever.  Having a baby is such a whirl wind of emotions and changes and trying to make all the puzzle pieces in your new life as a mommy fit together with your old life is quite challenging. When I was pregnant I felt so uncreative.. unmotivated.. and was tired all the time and I felt like I was not myself- it was like I was existing but I was just waiting for time to go by and have my baby.  I wasn't unhappy but wasn't really happy- it was this weird middle which is pretty unusual for me because I am a pretty energetic and extremely motivated person.  Reflecting back I think the only thing that got me motivated was either a donut or a milkshake lol which is pretty typical mommy to be behavior. Now having a year passed, it's amazing to me the process of rediscovery and finding my new self or at least maybe more of a mommy version of my old self.

I decided to start painting my just for fun paintings again.  Before I had Nora- I painted a lot for shows and commission work which are super fun to do but my drawings and little paintings would never see the light of finding a new home because they were half finished or I couldn't dedicate enough time to them or the work was so different then my existing work that I was just too shy about sharing.  Generally when painting for a show or a commission the work it is pretty specific which I adore all of my clients and curators that I am ever so lucky to work with but have decided to open up my etsy shop and put in some of my little paintings.

 

12 comments

Outcast said...

I do think it's a good idea to try to keep painting and art as something that's a hobby even if it becomes your day job. After all that's where your love for it originally sparked, I'm glad to hear you're doing this Erika and it seems that the results are superb as well, love this!

Kathleen Maunder said...

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today. Balancing art and motherhood and everything else is challenging. Good for you in finding the time to paint for yourself. It's important. I love the detail in your paintings.

Christine D. | The Plumed Nest said...

that's such great news, i love your artwork on etsy! i think it was about the time that my twins were one that i began to get really creative too. i wonder if it has anything to do with getting more sleep :)

The Dainty Dolls House said...

I think it's great to keep painting for fun, it will keep doing it for a job tiresome and the etsy shop will do great, I know it!! x

Lauren said...

I can barely hold a paintbrush so I'm always so impressed with the people who seemingly have their brushes as extensions of their fingers! Congratulations to you on this step, and I love the bicycle painting!

Motormouth Macey said...

I'm so excited that you posted this! I fell in love with your bike painting when you posted a sneak on instagram. I'm messaging you on facebook right now about it!!!

tinajo said...

It´s a lovely painting!

Rose Clearfield said...

Ever since I started selling my jewelry, I often forget to make pieces just for fun. It's an extremely refreshing change of pace. Best of luck with your Etsy shop! The bicycle painting is so whimsical.

Thelma Frayne said...

I love your painting. It's always nice to do something 'just for fun'.

Pech said...

Yes, keep doing your painting for fun, and finishing them! I think they represent not only a great way to encourage your creativity and just experiment, but it's a no pressure way to just see where it might take you and follow along!

Nina said...

I love your bike painting, as I am an avid biker. Will click over to your etsy shop soon. to check out your other artwork. Good to hear you found your joy in painting again!

rooth said...

I don't know why I've never visited your etsy shop but there it is - I'm heading over now!