Motherhood & Creativity: The Divided Heart

by Rachel Power (Editor)

Do women still confront the attitude that they have to choose between following their creative dreams and having children? In Motherhood & Creativity, some of Australia’s most respected actors, writers,
artists and musicians speak frankly about the wrench
between motherhood and their creative lives.

In these compelling, honest and insightful interviews, 22 women open up about the various
challenges and pleasures they’ve faced when combining motherhood with an undiminished passion for their creative work.

Includes interviews
Claudia Karvan (actor)
Cate Kennedy (writer)
Holly Throsby (singer-songwriter)
Del Kathryn Barton (artist)
Clare Bowditch (singer)
Rachel Griffiths (actor)

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Australia

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Julia Tulloh Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this incredibly helpful as a writer and mum of two small children- so many different approaches to managing parenting and an artistic life; great articulations of all the feelings (guilt, joy, etc) that come with being a mother and also making time for art within that. Even though I didn’t necessarily relate to the experiences of every single artist included here, I felt encouraged about not being alone in the struggle and also gained a lot of practical tips.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting insights here although I did find the writing a little clunky.

[Sophie Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I credit this book with helping me get back into my work!

[Andrea Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of observations and conversations continues to be my go-to for fellow creatives who are mums. When the dishes pile up and the creative time if deplete, this is the book I had over with the firm instruction to shut yourself in a room of your own and fill up your tank with the voices of others we admire. Creative mother's stake heart, Motherhood and Creativity; A Divided heart will help you reconstruct your belief in yourself and your boundaries around your time to create.

[Ruby Lulham · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a musician with a young baby it was refreshing to read these interviews and connect with them! So many essays, and each one said something I could relate to. A great book to pick up every now and again.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas in here but the interviews are a bit hit and miss.

[Lauren Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!
Every mother who works or wants to pursue a passion should read this...trust me, you'll feel less alone :)

[Kimberly Hetherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really inspiring, I will take these stories with me as a new mum navigating my own feelings around creativity.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book.

This took away a certain kind of guilt that I had been harboring and also helped me identify why I had allowed my creative side to come second (and if not third).

Now that I have identified the reason, the guilt is gone and I've found a way to reconcile my creative side with that of woman, business woman, mother, friend and writer (and not necessarily in that particular order).

Thank you Rachel Power. I'm not quite sure you realise the wonderful thing you have done by bringing this book into my life.

I only wish I had discovered this book earlier!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it as much as the first release.

[Wendy Bridges · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sharolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars but I'm happy to round up. It's interesting to see the recurring themes. So often mothering can feel lonely and isolating and we can lose a sense of a self apart from our children. I think there is great comfort in hearing women speak truthfully about the struggles and also the way you grow in capacity, maturity, appreciation for the simple and so on. A loving (but intense) domestic/family life, far from stunting creativity, can actually foster a richness and depth. It makes me determined to carve out time for creative pursuits for my own sanity and so that my children have a mother they respect as an interesting human. It's also good to understand the nature of seasons.