I first “met” Pam Carriker years ago in an online Etsy forum where mixed media artists gather to chat. It wasn’t long before we joined in a collaboration of eight artists from across the country known as, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Canvas. Whether it was through that experience, or through daily snippets of online conversation, our friendship grew into the special bond we share today. That bond is made more special because we share so many commonalities. Both of us stay-at-home-moms to three sons, we share the emotions and challenges in watching our young men fly from the nest and enjoy the magic of our youngest still at home. We share joy in each other's art, online teaching experiences, writing for publications and art journaling. We each have a strong faith that guides us through our daily lives, and we have come to depend on each other as sounding board and confidante.
When Pam told me her plans to write a book it came as no surprise. She had already become an accomplished writer for Stampington publications and her online art workshops were wildly popular. I knew she had a wealth of talent and know-how to share and the drive and work ethic to get it done.
Pam lives an artful life while balancing home, family and various professional commitments. She strikes a balance that artists/mothers, such as myself, strive for.
Pam’s book, Art at the Speed of Life, offers insightful essays from nationally-recognized artists. The essays tackle issues such as creating an online presence and managing computer time, dealing with supplies, finding inspiration, art as a career, creating art on-the-go, art journaling and more. The projects that are sprinkled throughout the book offer a multitude of tried and true techniques with step-by-step instructions.
The essay I was asked to write deals with the “deadline dilemma.” It focuses on how I use organization, setting priorities and delegating household duties while juggling my hats of artist, writer, wife and mother. I certainly haven’t got all the answers, and often I wish I had more hours in the day. I still look to Pam as a role model; an artist who makes time for art every day, and reading her book gives insight into achieving just that!
I’ve learned many things as I’ve tried to create balance in my life. I’ve learned that asking my boys to help with my household tasks or occasionally serving sandwiches for dinner, doesn’t make me a bad mom. I know that it’s no crime if the same to-do list is carried over from day to day and it’s even okay to let the vacuuming wait until tomorrow. Now, if I can just find a way to use dust bunnies as collage elements, I’ll be all set.
Remember to visit the other blog stops along the way!
3/1
Crescendoh - Jenny Doh
3/2
Suzi Blu
3/3
The Altered Page
3/4
Suzan Buckner
3/5
Sue Pelletier Laugh*Paint
3/6
All Norah's Art
3/7
Faerie Enchantment
3/9
Always Chrysti
3/10
Lisa Bebi's Art Blog
3/11
Sweet Repeats
3/12
Living Out Loud
3/13
The Feathered Nest
3/14
Paulette Insall
3/15
The Art of Julie Bergmann
3/16
Gail Schmidt
Images © Pam Carriker, Interweave Press and Nancy Lefko
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