In each of my maternity leaves, and I suppose I’m less referencing a formal “maternity leave” and more so that exhausting 1 year postpartum period, there always comes a time I feel so far removed both physically and mentally from my studio that igniting any spark of creativity again feels not only daunting, but impossible. I find myself shocked I ever created anything at all. Obviously that whole thing was dumb luck! Surely everyone will forget I ever made art. My new job is “milk lady” as my son has lovingly nicknamed me.
And then, as if stuck in Rabbit’s door and everyone’s given up hope, I budge.
Or rather, am nudged.
Someone reaches out with an opportunity and I’m reminded I contain multitudes! I’m a mom and an artist. A milk lady and a painter!
“She’s sailing straight out of the book! Quick! Turn the page!”
Some nudges from this maternity leave included two winter phone calls from magazine editors asking for an interview. I wish I could say these nudges weren’t all external but hey, I’m still evolving! Needless to say, the interest was encouraging.
I’m slowly and patiently re-entering my workspace and this just in: uninterrupted sleep makes a world of difference! Below I’m sharing the conversations that you can read online or snag a hard copy at your local bookstore or newsstand (I think those still exist?!)
And because last night was decidedly not a consecutive 8 hour night, hoping to share some ‘Table Talk’ summer favorites in a post soon. Is she returning to a somewhat regular rhythm?! Time will tell!
TLDR: If you too suffer from the rollercoaster of emotions that come along with pursuing art, owning a business, or just being a human, hi! Let’s be friends.
Midwest Living, Summer 2026 Issue
Thank you to Kelsey Shagemann for the thoughtful interview and the MWL team for coordinating such a creative photoshoot with some of my favorite studio tools. And thank you to everyone who gave so much love on their Instagram post!
Michigan Blue, Summer 2026 Issue
Thank you to Giuseppa Nadrowski for reaching out and patiently deciphering my rambling into something coherent!
Artfully Walls is also running a 25% off sale this weekend. You can shop my AW print selection here.
soooo proud of you!!! for BOTH the "milk lady" role and the artist role 💫 multitudes indeed! I, for one, am GIDDY you're creating again. Our favorite artist is back!!!! endlessly proud of you, my friend 🤍
Love learning your mom was an art teacher.
Welcome back milk lady!!!