I am currently working on a piece to be submitted to Mamaphonic — an anthology of essays by mamas, who also happen to be artists, explaining just how it is that they maintain their art, their space, their vision — and their sanity — in the overwhelmingly blissful and crazed world that is motherhood.

It is a theme on which I have ruminated deeply for some time, and I was glad for the impetus to finally spit it out when Bee and Maia made their call for submissions. It is a worthwhile and interesting subject, indeed, particularly for our generation — the generation who created and perfected truly independent record labels, DOGME 95, and the zine and self-publishing — and that very much embraces the DIY aesthetic on so many different levels (sometimes as art, sometimes as economic necessity — and more often than not, as both…)

As mothers, we have already created infinite beauty for the world; our children are that perfection.

As artists, we will continue to do so, as well — just as soon as the fucking laundry and dishes get done, that is.

Somebody hand me the Calgon…and a fistful of Percodan while you’re at it, baby.

From Bee and Maia:

Do you have a toddler seat strapped in the back of the tour van? Do you write poetry while the baby naps? Have you discovered that becoming a mother has changed not only your daily life but the content of your creative work? Mamaphonic is an anthology of writing about mothering, the creative process, and reciprocity within the artistic community. The book will include confessions and conversations about the true, exhilarating, entertaining, and difficult aspects of remaining creative while raising kids.

We are seeking literary first-person nonfiction essays of 2,000 – 4,000 words. Queries are encouraged. We are interested in hearing from mothers participating in all aspects of art, writing, music, puppetry, performance, film, photography, independent publishing, or any other creative endeavor. We are seeking diverse views on subjects such as: children as muses, how an artist’s daily life is changed after becoming a mother, how women balance their work and creative process with motherhood, and the specific influence of parenting on career trajectory and expectations. Although we are primarily concerned with the positive influences motherhood can have on the artistic process, we are also interested in the challenges motherhood brings to the working artist and how those challenges are met and overcome.

Edited by Bee Lavender and Maia Rossini and published by Soft Skull Press (http://www.softskull.com), the book will also include a compendium of practical resources for working artistic mothers. Compensation includes $50 and two review copies. The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2003.

Please forward this message extensively.

Hard copies can be mailed to:

Mamaphonic c/o Hip Mama PO Box 28870 Seattle, WA 98118

Email queries and submissions:

submissions@mamaphonic.com
http://www.mamaphonic.com