Series 1: My Mom, My Art

This is a topic that I have avoided since starting my blog. I didn’t know whether I felt comfortable sharing something so personal yet it is has been at the center of my work for the last 7 years.  I started making art later in life, taking several years to find my direction and voice . After taking a three week intensive course in 2003 through the Womens Art Institute I was encouraged to make more of an emotional connection to my work, to make it personal and tell my unique story.  Well, what better place to start than with my mother!  Good emotional content to fuel several years of work.

Through this series I will bounce around between past, present and future.  I’m not sure how many posts will be in this series but you can relax, it won’t be consecutive posts.  To set the stage, I am the youngest of three children and the only daughter.  My mom and I share many loves—fashion, scarves, coffee, sewing, humor, creativity, and music. Where we part ways are topics surrounding—religion, independence, family tradition, and our approach to life’s possibilities.  Through many ups and downs, there has never been a doubt that my mom believes in me and loves me unconditionally as I do her.

In 2003 when my work took a significant shift, my mother was showing signs of dementia.  I knew the remaining years with my mother would be filled with uncertainty.   Posted here is the first of many pieces that document this journey.

Hand written text: Friday, June 6th, 2003 my mother was taken to St Joseph’s Home in West Point, Nebraska.  This will be her permanent residence and home. My brother said on a scale of 1-10, it was a nine meaning she left Omaha with little resistance.  She had her suitcase ready (a 1940’s suitcase she must have found in the attic).  An indication this was a good decision.  I like the idea of this place for my mom. It gives her a sense of community again.  Almost like the small town where we lived and grew up.  There are lots of activities for her to get involved which will keep her mind active and alive. I want my mom to like this place.  It is where she will live the rest of her life.

This entry was posted on February 08th, 2010 and is filed under Personal Storytelling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or Trackback from your own site.