My Mother Is An Artist – Lothian Life the magazine for Edinburgh and the Lothians

‘My Mother Is An Artist’ is an arts initiative featuring the unique lives and many talents of creatives who are also mothers – visual artists, makers, writers, dancers, actors and anyone who creates art.

The 2019 exhibition opened last Saturday, at Bridgend Farmhouse, Edinburgh, with a selection of readings, performances and, of course, the opportunity to browse both the eclectic artwork and books from local authors.

Faracy Moon Grouse founded My Mother is an Artist in 2017 as a reaction to the stigmas and stereotypes she encountered over the years working in several artistic fields. As a mother and artist who had her first child at 22, she felt that there was a need for a platform for mothers in the arts. The community aims to be anÂ inclusive and nurturing place to share and explore creative output.

This current exhibition was largely curated by the children of the members, who chose their favourite pieces for display. As well as Faracy’s work, the exhibition features: Marta Adamowicz, a visual and sound artist; Elizabeth McArdle (1965-2017), whose work was chosen by her daughter, Donna; Kate Christmas, who specialises in textiles; Penny Hodson, a visual artist producing portraits, wildlife and landscape work; and the photography of Andrea Balzarini.

An extract from the (very funny, but oh so true!) Conversations With My Indian Mother was perfomed publicly for the first time, by its creator, Susannah Tigerlili, and Anne Hamilton read from the anthology,Â You Won’t Remember This: travels with babies, a story about the bizarre encounter involving a baby on a boat in Bangladesh.

The Emerald Bookshelf, was introduced by Sandy Bennett-Haber, writer and independent publisher, adds another dimension to the exhibition. As well as the visual art, the bookshelf houses a range of books – stories, poems, travel writing and life-writing – from local authors such as Sandy herself, Ailie Wallace, Emma O’Connor and Catherine Winton.

My Mother Is An Artist runs until 17th February, and will then move to the M Gallery, Glasgow on 23rd February.