I connected with Sarah Fought thanks to a tiny but powerful hashtag #konmari, where people around the world were sharing their journey using Marie Kondo's tidying method from her popular book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I got into it, but in my head classified Sarah as the most hardcore "Konverts" to this method that I knew. I was fascinated to watch her life change before my eyes, and see her share so much about her personal struggles and growth. She truly had a tidying festival when letting go of old journals, and I think she had a bonfire for them. She also incorporates things that she wanted to let go in some of her paintings / mixed-media collages. You can see her covering up pictures and writings with paint in some of the images.
In one of the photos below, you'll see how she created a room that is empty except for paintings, which gave her space to meditate. We got to watch her fall in love with her home again, and see how she started pursuing her passions and really blossoming. I have enjoyed watching this from the sidelines tremendously, and am thankful to her for sharing today. She's a writer, a musician, a teacher, and an artist, as well as a mother to her adorable little boy, who shares the same name as my own son (Henry - great name!). Without further ado, here are Sarah's thoughts on art and motherhood.
Tell us about yourself. How old is your child? Where can we find you?
I am Sarah Fought. I am an artist, art teacher, singer of songs and river dweller in Richmond, Virginia. I have one little guy who turned 2 at the end of March. I've been super lucky for the past two school years to job share and work 3 days a week with four days home with the baby. I'll be back full time next year. I also teach art workshops and camps during after school hours and summers.
I am a social media fan. I love connecting with creative and inspiring people from all over. I use Instagram mostly but hang around Facebook, Twitter + Pinterest, too.
- Website: www.sarahfought.com
- Instagram @sarahfought
- Twitter @sarahfought
- Pinterest @sarahfought
Has your approach to painting, your processes, medium, or your inspiration changed since having children?
I think the resurgence of my painting practice was due in part with the death of a close friend and needing to work that out. It coincided with having a little one.
Is it easy or difficult for you to find/make time to create? Did you have to give anything up? Do you have advice on what works for you?
Lately I have realized the importance of just showing up often in a creative space. I have a small studio set up in my home. My blocks of time for making or writing are during naps and at night, after the baby is asleep. I am a night owl so this works for me. Painting has become much more meditative this way and it means I am making more work. I also print and sew quilts. I would love to try encaustic and work with clay more.
I had to give up TV time with my husband. I have ebbs and flows to my process though and it seems summer is a very productive time for me. Winter is more contemplative and reflective.
How does being an artist make you a better mother to your children? What do you hope they take away from seeing you as an artist doing something that fulfills you?
Two of my promises to myself when I became a mom were that I wouldn't participate in the mom guilt thing and I would let my kid see me at my best, doing what I love. I'm an art teacher so I see the impact art and artists make on the little minds of kids. I also know how important it is for kids to have time and space to make things in a playful way. I look forward to creating with Henry Hollis someday.
I think it makes me a better mom because it keeps me happy and fulfilled in my heart so I have more to give.
Where do you paint or create? What are your favorite things about your workspace and what would you improve? Do you ever create art with your kids?
I just used the Konmari method on my whole house and since then, I create in my small studio/dressing room. I am still setting it up. I have a writing table, easel, drafting table and dresser. I am figuring out where I will sew and print.
Do you have any tips to streamline / delegate / outsource household and childcare activities so that you can focus more time on your art? Has your lifestyle changed in any major ways?
Konmari everything and you'll find time you never knew was there. You'll also find your true self. The single most empowering thing I have done short of child birth.
Do you have any big goals or dreams for your art that you’d like to share? What would be your dream project?
I want to paint sheds! I love the intimacy of the backyard space but it's big enough that I can really stretch out. I am making paintings inspired by the music of Sturgill Simpson lately and I think I'll continue to choose musical artists to listen to on repeat while I make things. It feels like a collaboration of sorts. Up next, Joe Pug.
P.S. One of my goals was to eliminate the mother guilt too, so I love that she speaks of this!