American Goth

Mogs has been taking shorter and shorter naps.  It started when we returned from CO and with the daylight savings time change.  I had been very, very spoiled by her dependable, lengthy nap schedule over the past year.  I always thought that when she stopped taking naps she would at least be old enough to spend some quiet time playing by herself.  I know I am a naive lady.  The effect of these shorten naps is less time for me to work on my own projects and more time with Miss Crabby-Kins.  She is teething, which may explain all sorts of behavior, but does not make that behavior any easier for me to deal with.  After I put her down I go into a mild panic about what to do first.  Should I work on my quilt or blog?  Should I pull out my painting supplies or research exhibitions to apply to?  (Note that no chores are considered and with the shortened mama time none will get done either.)

Last weekend Tony gave me a little extra time to work while he took Mogs with him grocery shopping.  (Not only is he awesome for doing the shopping each week, he takes along a toddler!  What a guy, huh!?!)  With a quiet house, I began work on these two drawing that I think I’ll include in my upcoming show.  In the first one I was exploring the role of mother as provider.  Even if a mother gives to her children materially, that doesn’t make up for the emotional and physical things she hasn’t provided.  

“Provide”

The next one is a little more positive (or less “goth” as Tony recently teased me about.  Have you heard Sarah Vowells essay of becoming a goth, but a “pink goth”?  It was on This American Life a few years ago.  Anyway, I am a bit of a “pink goth” at heart.)  I had a hard time coming up with a title for this painting.  After much deliberation I decided on “Place,” as in Win, Place or Show–terms used in horseracing.  Providing a place for my kid to grow, to become the person she wants to be…even if that is a girl who happens to adore horses.

“Place”