First time mom as an artist

During my pregnancy I was so busy with work, art shows, commissions, and events. At the beginning no one really knew I was pregnant unless of course you were one of my six close friends, not counting my partner of course. I just looked extra fluffy in some areas but it worked out considering many events I was painting live in lingerie. So the extra fullness worked in my favor lol. Thinking back I did at least 2-3 art shows a month up until I was 8 months. Even during some of those no one noticed cause I wore black. Only when I stood up people saw my belly. Or they noticed me carrying all of my equipment and paintings into the venue. Now that I think about it not many actually helped me carry those things.

Anyway, I knew my life would change completely once I had my daughter. I told myself I would not become the woman who’s identity is only about being a mother. I did not want to lose myself or change who I am only because I am a mother. There are definitely days where I find myself sad or frustrated because I’m not able draw or paint when I want and how long I want. Can’t participant in an art show because we don’t have a baby sitter (no family and only two close friends where we live). 

After some therapy and Ho’oponopono I take any opportunity to draw and paint even if that means I have to use baby wear or if it’s just 30 minutes or less. Before it use to take maybe 3 hours to finish a painting depending on the detail but now it takes a couple days and I am okay with that. I realized I have to adapt to this change and run my art business differently now that I am mother. I may not be able to do many art shows or paint/draw for hours on end but I can still do what I love and make money while doing it. Art has helped my postpartum depression in many ways and I look forward to painting with my daughter when she’s older.