Cathy,
Thank you so much for writing about this and making more people aware of this documentary. I have often thought that it would be fascinating to conduct research into the lives of women artists and then contrast with research into the lives of male artists. It is intriguing to think what would be discovered.
Kristina

Cathy....in small and quiet, big and moving ways this message "seized" my heart...I am grateful for these images and words that both remind and affirm the power of an art-centered, life that opens passages into and out of our selves; that connects us to each other in unique and generative ways; that moves us beyond our limits at times when we cannot move our selves...thank you for helping us "see" who we are...Mickie

One of the best article on PsychologyToday.com !! thank you :)

Thank you for writing this article and bringing awareness to this topic. Why as women artists do we have to feel that we are indulging ourselves...when we feel the need to take the time inward so that we can create something for the outer world...to enjoy?
Why does this guilt exist...for me, the woman, the artist? Because it's not paid for? Because I could be serving others in more menial ways? Isn't creating, expressing, bringing to fruition my God-given talents, also a service to others? It truly is! I don't think we should feel guilty or apologetic to create boldly....and to believe in ourselves.
Who do I think I am?
An Artist! It has taken a long time for me to say it, so confidently, and proudly! I say it today and always. I am an Artist! :D

Thank you for giving voice to my internal conflict. I am a writer. It is my passion and I often feel guilty taking the time away from my children to do what I do. WHile I do earn money it certainly is not enough to subsist on. I don't do it for the money though. I do it because there is something inside me that needs to be expressed. Something real and tangible that I want to share. It is so much a part of me and yet people have a tendency to devalue it because our society is based on how much money you make. Art should exist for the sake of art alone.

Cathy:

I came across this blog about our film and was delighted to see your take on it.

I have spent the last four years working on this film--interviewing women all over the country, and following the lives of five artists who are also mothers. The heart of the film is --how do we honor our own talents, interests and work while taking care of those we love? I hate the word balance. How can you "balance" time spent with children and time spent with work that is open ended, often unpaid and exploratory. Neither art nor parenting come with a set of rules or instructions. We do this "work" --both parenting and art--blind, with a gut feel and a sense that it is meaningful and worth doing, and give up control over the outcome.

So, anyway, loved your blog and wanted to let you know that the film will be showing at The Angelika Theater in New York city. It opens October 17 for a week. And the more people who come to the first weekend, the more chance the film has of getting a longer run--not only in New York, but in other cities across the country.

I made this film for anyone with a dream of...making a difference. And yet, it probably speaks most to women--who are the ones who "make" our homes, who are the care givers. And what work that is and how often it is overlooked.

So, the interesting thing is, the film world doesn't quite "get" what an important issue this is--they think "women don't go to movies." We are hoping we can show them that is NOT true. There are also screenings upcoming and those can be found on our site: www.whodoesshethinksheis.net

yours, Pamela Tanner Boll

Thanks, love the article and I hope the movie comes to Australia. Your title epitomises how I feel when I am in my studio - guilty! if I have spare time shouldn't I be spending it with my family, because I work fulltime and they don't get to see me then.

"Bravery" - it's true - it's brave to embrace the intangible - to to truly love 'making' art and 'being' the essence of ourselves through the process.
Congratulations on threading this very common patchwork of mother, artist, woman ....something i live with everyday - but think so little of. It was great to remember to honor this in myself. That 'we' indeed are being 'brave' everyday - just by letting our hearts sing with the activities that probably so many more women, artists, mothers would love to pursue, but don't have the opportunity. I value my way of life more today by having seen this. Thank you and Bravo!