We’re all affected in some way by motherhood…

I know I’m late to the party congratulating Karen Miller of Ontario on the release of her new book The  Art of Mothering: Our Lives in Colour and Shadow, but I will NOT be the last, I guarantee you.

Karen’s book, published by Rug Hooking Magazine, came out in October. I think I received my copy in early November. Unfortunately, I’ve been très busy the past month, so I’ve only been able to scan through it thus far, but with the holidays almost here, I’m hoping to sit down soon and pore over it – no interruptions!

It’s a beautiful book, certainly, filled with all kinds of art. It’s vivid and colorful as it shines a light on how female artists have dealt with not just the topic of motherhood, but its actuality.

From the back cover:

Motherhood has been the richest experience of Karen Miller’s life. It has also inescapably changed her life trajectory: her career path, her energy levels, her commitments, her time, her marriage. It has affected everything. Join Karen as she and 21 contributing artists lift the lid on motherhood and peer inside to examine the reality of their lives through textile arts.

The Art of Motherhood: Our Lives in Colour and Shadow illuminates the feelings that so few of us talk about – but so many of us feel – as we navigate the journey that is motherhood.

Karen’s known for a long time that being a mother hasn’t always been the best of experiences for me, so when she asked me to contribute to the book, I jumped at the chance. It’s always stuck up my craw sideways that women rarely feel comfortable being honest about motherhood and what it does to us.  Even in a group of just women! How dare we speak up about not feeling quite like the Madonna and her perfect Child. News flash: I’m no Madonna and it took a lot of alcohol to get through my only kid’s high school years. (Those years made the previous 14 look like an f-ing picnic.) But after fertility problems and two miscarriages over two years, no one wanted a kid as much as I did. And I have no regrets. (Most of the time.)

That’s the kind of candid crap you’ll find in this book though in a much more eloquent form, LOL. And LOTS OF FIBER ART, hooked and otherwise. If you’re a mom or know a mom or ever had a mom, get thee online to order this book. It’d make a kick-ass and thoughtful Christmas or other type of gift. I promise. You can order from RHM HERE. If you’re in Canada, contact Karen through her website.

PS- Not all moms are biologic. And mother figures count as moms.

FYI-
Below is a list of the Instagram handles of all the artists who, in some way affected by motherhood, contributed work to Karen’s truly excellent book. Check out their work.

Karen Miller:  @karendmillerstudio
Nadine Flagel:  @pretextstudio
Meryl Cook:  @merylcook
Laura Salamy:  @highonhooking
Emily van Lidth de Jeude:  @emilyvanartist
Jane Smith:  @blogginthebay
April Deconick:  @aprildeconickart
Linda Friedman Schmidt:  @lindafriedmanschmidt
Rachelle Leblanc:  @rachelle_leblanc_art
Trish Johnson:  @trshjhnsn
Patti Colen:  @woollycronedesigns
Alexandrya Eaton:  @alexandryaeaton
Michelle Kingdom:  @michelle.kingdom
Carmen Bohn:  @carmenbohn_art
Elizabeth Miller:  @northatlanticfiberarts
Ellen Skea Marshall:  @twocatsanddoghooking
Amy Meissner:  @amymeissnerartist
Michele Micarelli:  @michelepmicarelli
Linda Rae Coughlin:  @lindarae_coughlin
Sayward Johnson:  @saywardjohnson
Lori Laberge:  @lorilabergeart
Karen Larsen:  I don’t believe Karen is on Ig but she is on fb

And to everyone in the US, mother or not,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!