These are incredibly difficult and scary times. I do think that art can play an incredibly important part by shifting the atmosphere to give new, altered meaning to things. I know that I appreciate that more since becoming a parent. Being out there: Residencies, previews & PhD Once we were out of the first intense year with Idris, we were really keen to find ways of being able to travel, as a small family, and work at the same time. It was a really productive and memorable time of our lives. We’ve spent time in some really wonderful places, learning how to be a family but also pushing our work in new contexts. The residency culture overall is not the easiest for families. I looked to countries where families and children are inherent in their culture - Finland, Italy and Sweden for example are generally much more inclusive. You couldn’t move for buggies and children at previews in Finland. Through doing a funded part time PhD, I have felt very supported artistically and financially with both maternity and two children. I’d love to think I can still sustain being a mother and an artist when this finishes but I find it hard to believe that it can be a financially viable option. That saddens me. The PhD has enabled me to do something I was keen to think through much further and to continue with my practice alongside learning how to parent. It’s been a great mix. It will feel like a new project when I finish. Team work makes the dream work – or does it? I couldn’t do it without Peter. His part in enabling me to work is huge. Everyone is different, their personalities and how you function together with children revels itself in the doing - you are connected in so many new ways, your independence has really shifted. You fall in love with somebody and then one day you
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