As a mother and an artist, creativity and family intersect, conflict, inspire, and evolve in tension. And so I've joined the Artist Residency in Motherhood community -- a free, open-source DIY project begun by conceptual artist Lenka Clayton -- and posted my manifesto in my office in clear view:

1. RHYTHM OF WORK

2. ONE DAILY FOCUS

3. PROTECT & ENHANCE YOUR PHYSICAL SPACE

4. WELCOME YOUR CHILDREN

5. CREATE CLEAR BOUNDARIES

6. INTENTIONAL INSPIRATION

7. SHARE YOUR HEART

I wanted principles that could be applied no matter the ages and stages of my children, or phase of my career. Regardless of how much or how little I actively work, a healthy rhythm of focused work, boundaries that protect my working style, and intention that creates a good space will serve me well. Most of all, welcoming my family into the way I share my heart with the world will always be applicable.

I plan on keeping a notebook documenting each month of my residency for three years. I'll make notes about what i'm experiencing as I continue to generate projects and new work. My hope is that the residency will help me to take my work more seriously, to think more broadly about what my art can bw, and to explore the world of my domestic engineering life with a sense of wonder and possibility.

Off we go.