Movement and Growth

In this chapter our artists explore their view on gendered norms and pressures within the arts and parenting. Time is given to hearing the female perspective but also a space for the male one to be heard too. The unique challenges female artists face when balancing maternity leave, work, and often being the primary caregiver are also heard. Our interviewees discuss the impact this has on their artistry, but also the impact bias, specific to the world of the arts, has on this navigation. A misconception that artist-parents will have a diminished commitment to their medium is discussed, and how this can result in fewer opportunities. For some this results in generating their own opportunities, one that uses their art form to bring awareness to these gendered and social pressures.