For Mum

When I was turning seven, I wanted an artist-themed birthday party. My Mum helped me make clip-art-filled invitations on our old family computer, sewed aprons for the guests and made a cake that looked like a paint palette. She bought canvases and brushes and paint and food and did everything she could to ensure that I had a wonderful artist party.

16 years later, I was hosting a small exhibition in Gulgong and was absolutely overwhelmed with the amount of work required to get everything ready. My Mum- the most energetic and productive person I know- helped me prep, price, transport and hang every piece to make sure everything was done in time. 

She shows me that things are (usually) possible if you just knuckle down and try your hardest.

When people compliment my work as an artist, it’s hard to accept it without mentioning all of the support from my family that has helped me along the way. I have never for a second felt that my parents didn’t support my creative dreams and I am entirely aware of the fact that not every artist is so lucky.

My Mum has spent days at market stalls with me selling my art, she’s paid for a great childhood’s worth of art supplies and lessons, she’s taken me to countless exhibitions and she shows off my paintings to anybody who enters her house.

As well as all of this, she has always made me feel like a real artist. She honestly and wholeheartedly believes in me, which, in my eyes, is the best thing a mother can do.

Happy Mother’s day to my Mum, as well as all of the other motherly figures out there. You make art happen.

xx Rose