The Art Mother: A Journey Into The Birth Of Creativity
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” ~ Anaïs Nin
Whether we call them our muse or the inspiration behind the creative endeavours that shape our lives, in her feminine power, I find a mother. I discover a blend of the empress and the high priestess tarot cards, beautifully rolled into one figure. To be inspired by a singular person to such an extent that it leads to a significant change of direction in your life is akin to being lifted into the vastness of the stars, revealing not only that space is infinite, but also that your inner world knows no bounds. This pivotal experience marked my transition into my role as an artist.
I create in countless forms, but my mother always remains by my side. She nurtures and teaches me invaluable lessons on expanding my heart and mind. She imparts wisdom on how to create with rich texture and profound emotion. I immerse myself in the streets I write about; I can vividly smell the fragrance of my photographic subjects; I conjure words through textual rituals, weaving intricate stories through my collages composed of paper, textiles, and paint. Who is she? Who is this incredible feminine power?
Her name is Angela Anaïs Juana Antolina Rosa Edelmira Nin y Culmell, or Anaïs Nin, as most of us know her. She came into my life just after I finished my university studies. I read Henry and June and was instantly captivated by the depths of her world and the way in which she wrote. It was so rich, fully formed and lyrical without any pomposity or pretension (many would debate these descriptions of her work, I am sure of that). Many years passed, and with each passing day, I found myself collecting her work. Through tough times, great times, and all that exists in-between, she was consistently a comforting presence in my life. Of course, Anaïs was no longer alive, and the opportunity to meet her in person was unattainable; yet our connection persisted, as if an umbilical cord joined us in the astral plane. I came to realize that what I was experiencing was a dance in the liminal space between life and death, manifesting as a veneration of the dead. I was communicating with her through her works, her captivating life stories, and in doing so, I openly invited her into my creative space—she transformed into my art mother. I do not wish to worship at her feet, nor do I place her in a divine or deity-like position; instead, I stand here, fully present and open, yearning to learn, understand, and ultimately shape my own creative life.
Photograph: The Anais Nin Foundation