Motherhood is…

In June 2020, a private Facebook group was set up for mothers of all ages and backgrounds to submit a sentence using the phrase ‘Motherhood is …’, in order to represent their experiences of mothering during the pandemic. The aim was to collect the same number of sentences to the number of days the UK was in the first national lock-down; 92 in total. This number also took into account the length of time vulnerable mothers needed to shield. Over six months, 189 mothers joined the group, contributing a sentence and/or portrait picture of themselves drawn by their children or supporting the project. The sentences are presented alongside beautiful monoprints and sketches by Anne-marie Moss, Kate Hyland, Lottie Bolster and Sian Natasha Walton. The sentences and images have been published in a book.

The book is currently been exhibited at Tate St Ives as part of the Queer and Feminist Zine Library alongside Ad Minoliti's exhibition Biosfera Peluche / Biosphere Plush

Motherhood is … was originally created and exhibited in galleries and alternative public spaces between 2013 and 2015. Inspired by the comic strip ‘Love is….’ by Kim Casali, short phrases and words were stencilled onto baby clothes made from parchment paper, fabric and buttons. Just as Casali broadly explored the highs and lows of love, I wanted to highlight the contradictions of motherhood.  I had face to face conversations with other mothers and took research from books to collect sentences and phrases. My intention was to break down the perception that motherhood is a natural, fulfilling, and uncomplicated experience.  

Motherhood is… can be purchased here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ArtbyLisaEvans?ref=seller-platform-mcnav