This year, MOTHER is honored to be a partner at the fair, presenting a panel on “Motherhood & Art” on Saturday, April 19th (12pm-1pm), featuring artists Rupy C. Tut, Ton Mak, and Libby Black, and gallerists Jessica Silverman and Lauren Ryan (all pictured above). We will discuss both the inspiration and challenges posed by juggling an artistic career with motherhood, creative habits, shifting identities, how these inspiring women are raising their children, and much more.

Of course, our panel is just one of the dozens upon dozens of happenings to check out at this year’s event, located at the sprawling Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. You can check out the full lineup of presenting galleries, public and private programming at the fair, and events all around the Bay Area celebrating the San Francisco Art Fair‘s arrival.

Below, we asked the Director of San Francisco Art Fair, Kelly Freeman, to tell us about her highlights for this year’s event—including kid-friendly options for the whole family.

“As San Francisco’s longest-running art fair, we’re deeply rooted in the city’s vibrant arts ecosystem. This year, we’re proud to feature over 88 incredible exhibitors—both local and international—alongside 45 cultural partners, including Root Division and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. More than just a fair, this event is a celebration of the Bay Area’s creative spirit, bringing together artists, collectors, and enthusiasts from San Francisco and around the world. We take pride in being the community’s art fair, and each year, we’re committed to growing that sense of connection and artistic exchange.”

“One of the things that makes the San Francisco Art Fair so special is our commitment to making art accessible and welcoming for everyone—including moms and kids! Each year, we think about new ways to engage the community and invite more people into the experience. This year, we’re especially excited to introduce a new program in our theater celebrating art and motherhood, created in partnership with MOTHER. The program will feature gallerists and artists exploring different perspectives on motherhood in the art world, offering a thoughtful and inspiring conversation for parents who want to see their experiences reflected in art.”

“For families visiting on Easter Sunday (April 20), we’ve teamed up with the Museum of Craft and Design’s Mobile MakeArt Van for a hands-on block printing activity inspired by their RugLife exhibition—perfect for little artists in the making! Plus, with stroller-friendly aisles and a prime location near Marina Green, the fair is an easy and enjoyable stop on a family weekend stroll. We hope to see you there!”

“This year, I’m especially excited about the fair’s dedication to the East Bay arts scene—an incredibly vibrant and dynamic community that deserves more recognition. Curated by pt.2 Gallery’s Brock Brake, our special focus section will spotlight works by Alicia McCarthy, Magnolia Editions, Ryan Whelan, and other talented Oakland-based artists. Beyond that, we’re thrilled to be collaborating with incredible institutions like the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Oakland Art Murmur, NIAD Art Center, and more to celebrate the creativity coming out of the East Bay.”

“2025’s fair also brings in a fantastic lineup of new gallerists from across the Bay Area. I’m particularly looking forward to welcoming first-time participants like Jessica Silverman (also joining us for the motherhood panel,) who will be showcasing works by the amazing Clare Rojas and Chelsea Ryoko Wong. Micki Meng’s exhibition of 50 canvases, featuring contributions from local artists, community leaders, and environmentalists, is another highlight. Each piece will be available for $500 in support of land protection—such a meaningful initiative!”

For more on San Francisco Art Fair and to grab tickets—head over to sanfranciscoartfair.com.

The post “Motherhood & Art” At The San Francisco Art Fair appeared first on MOTHER.

In addition to auctioning off an array of covetable goods by AAPI-owned brands, Caroline also sees Joy Not Hate as an opportunity to tell these entrepreneurs’ very personal accounts of growing up Asian American in the U.S.—including sharing heartbreaking stories of racial discrimination, as well as stories of resilience and hope.

Below, we are sharing 20 of these women’s interviews. Many of them are tales of perseverance as they bravely break the cycle of silence that was modeled by some of their parents, in order to blaze a new trail forward for folks of AAPI heritage in their own generation, as well as their children’s. Click through our slideshow to read their diverse perspectives and find out the many ways we can all unite to #stopasianhate for good.

To note: Joy Not Hate plans to launch its next auction and series of interviews with New York-based creatives in early August. Other U.S. cities are planned for the near future. The organization also strives to include more South Asian and Pacific Islander voices to their series, to showcase the full breadth of diversity in the AAPI community. 

This article was originally published on July 13, 2021.

The post 20 Inspiring Women On Growing Up Asian American appeared first on MOTHER.

The author and all-around storyteller recently settled in Austin (after jaunts in New York and California and a childhood spent in the South), and currently splits her days between consulting, volunteering at her kids’ school, putting the finishing touches on her first poetry collection, preparing to launch a new venture, and watching the latest cult documentary (or Living Single reruns…more on that below!). “This wildlife may be short, but it’s wide, and I plan to pack in as much living and loving as possible,” says Tiffany. “It helps to have a few of my (and the kids’) favorite things along the way.” And with that, check out her thoughtful list of current Mother Essentials!

Walks With Water + Trees. “Our house was our least favorite choice, but the neighborhood backs up to a 300-acre greenbelt and park with a large creek, so here we are. When I make myself take the time, I can walk along the water while still in a canopy of trees, my absolute favorite thing. It’s the ultimate reset. When I’m with the kids, we pretend to be the cast from Craig of the Creek.”

Breathwork. “I have the word breathe tattooed on my wrist because it helps to have a visual reminder. Returning to my breath has been my best practice for integration and returning to myself. It helps me to remember who I am and what’s true at the moment. The kids and I practice staying in our bodies by taking a moment to breathe. Occasionally I see them remind the other to breathe, and it’s the proudest I feel.”

100 Diverse Voices on Parenthood. “I was so fortunate to be asked to contribute to this groundbreaking parenting book. Parenting books are notoriously lacking in diverse perspectives, and while that’s changing, this book is truly special. It covers everything from living far away from family (I wrote that one!) to navigating sleep patterns to budgeting advice. It’s the village I wish I’d had.” 100 Diverse Voices on Parenthood, $27.99, A Kids Book About.

Clevr Blends Matcha. “I’ve tried every single matcha on the planet, and this is the best. For years I never touched coffee, then I had children and stopped sleeping, so, ya know, coffee. But I prefer my longtime friend, matcha. Plus, it doesn’t give me night sweats. This one is delicious and has all these added benefits, plus I don’t have to zhuzh it. Just add water.” Matcha SuperLatte, $28, Clevr.

Our Place Pan. “This pan is worth all the hype. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and so pretty it’s more like kitchen jewelry. I cook everything in it. I thought I’d have a feeling about receiving kitchen items as gifts, but when I saw the box for this on my last birthday I was giddy. This is who I am now.” Always Pan, $145, Our Place.

Puzzles. “While exiled from Instagram (hacked and locked out for SEVEN months, y’all), I got into puzzles. We had a screen-free vacation and brought puzzles for the kids, and I was the one who fell in love. It’s relaxing but active, and there’s something about putting pieces together to reveal the picture that feels therapeutic. I frame the ones I love the most. I’m so excited to start this next one. As soon as I saw her, I knew she was meant to be art.” Some Refused To Work in the Fields Puzzle by Ronald Jackson, $36, FRTWN.

Siete Cookies. “On recommendation from one of our school admins, I tried these grain-free cookies, and now I keep an emergency bag in my nightstand. For years, my mom would send me Danish wedding cookies in care packages, but with my 40th birthday came a fun new gluten sensitivity, so I’ve been trying to find new faves. These are them.” Siete Mexican Wedding Cookies, $4.99, Target.

Austin Central Library. “The Austin Central Library is not your typical library; it’s a whole vibe. Stunning architecture, gorgeous design, and it’s enormous. The kids’ floor is amazing. There’s a very cool gift shop and a cafe that makes the best (gluten-free) peanut butter cookies. They have every book I could ever want and a roof deck with gorgeous views of the Colorado River. It’s one of our family’s favorite Austin spots.”

Tree Fairfax Fanny Pack. “My husband gifted me with this BEAUTIFUL handmade bag right after I finished my 2nd and final year of breastfeeding as a sort of ‘hands-free’ celebration. It’s one of the most gorgeous things I own. The maker, Tricia Hash, is an inspiring woman, mother, and survivor. Something about knowing the love poured into each piece makes it feel magical every time I wear it.” Half-Moon Bag, $140, Tree Fairfax.

Blue Light Glasses. “Why did it take me so long to get blue light glasses? My friend LaToya tried to tell me years ago, but I was skeptical or lazy. Then I finally got this highly affordable pair. I no longer get headaches and eye fatigue like I used to. Now I wear them all the time, even when not on a screen, because they’re fabulous, and I feel like one of Tracee Ellis Ross’ budget-friendly alter egos when I wear them.” Men’s Oversized Tortoise Shell Print Square Blue Light Filtering Glasses, $12, Target.

Happy Masks. “We’re some of the last people in the state of Texas wearing masks. My oldest son likes the security of a mask, while my youngest one agrees because the Happy Masks are cool. It helps when you’re one of very few in a mask if they’re cute, and these are. The boys argue over who gets to wear their favorite designs, so we’ve had to create a whole schedule around it.” Ultra Mask, $27, Happy Masks.

Spearmint Tea. “I’ve always struggled with acne-prone skin, and just as I think things are good, my face betrays me again. A friend suggested spearmint tea for hormone regulation, and my daily cup seems to be doing something. It’s also become a lovely ritual to end my day with a cup of tea, thanking my body—skin included—for holding me down for so long. But that’s all I’ll say because I’m afraid of jinxing its effectiveness.” Traditional Medicinals Organic Spearmint Tea, $4.94, Thrive Market.

UNO Flip. “I’m not much of a card player, but Uno was my jam growing up. Recently we played Uno Flip—an update on the classic—and it was so fun! Just when it looks like the game is going one way, someone will throw down a flip card and shake it all up. We’ve missed a few bedtimes wrapped up in playing.” UNO Flip, $5.99, Target.

Weighted Pillow. “This weighted stuffy was one of Judah’s birthday gifts, and it quickly became a family favorite. He decided to name it Snugglesaurus because of obvious reasons. I think everyone in the family will be getting their own for Christmas so that we stop ‘borrowing’ his.” Weighted Plush Throw Pillow, $20, Target.

Living Single Reruns. “Anyone who knows me knows I love a good ’90s TV rerun, but the ladies of Living Single are like my best friends at this point. I’ve seen the entire series at least ten times, most of the time listening while I do dishes or between books or sometimes while I fall asleep. That cast doesn’t get nearly enough praise for how funny they were. I’m a Kadijah sun, Maxine rising, Sinclair moon. No offense, Regine.” Living Single via Hulu.

We Can Do Hard Things Podcast. “Like many women, I was completely undone by Glennon Doyle’s most recent book, Untamed. So when she announced she was launching a podcast with Abby and Sister (Amanda), I tuned in. The guests are all of my favorite people, from Yaba Blay to Ashley C. Ford to Brene Brown. I listen the moment a new episode drops, and now we’re all best friends. It’s like being with my people for an hour. Even though she recently found out she’s actually an Aries (sorry, G), Glennon feels very much like my Pisces-cusp twin. Podsquad for life.” We Can Do Hard Things.

Aveeno Body Oil. “During a recent visit, my mom left this body oil behind (or I used it and never gave it back, I can’t remember). Y’all. I keep mine in the shower to use while my skin is still damp. It feels so luxe and smells amazing, and I think I love it even more because it’s only $10. Mama loves a good deal.” Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Oil Mist, $12.59, Target.

Black Women Writers at Work. “I may or may not have a delinquent copy of this book that I refuse to return to the library. The good news is they’re finally re-releasing this favorite! I keep it with me at my desk, and anytime I read a few pages, it’s like being in conversation with these incredible women. Such a gift.” Black Women Writers at Work by Claudia Tate, $23.20, Bookshop and Amazon.

The Kids’ Favorite Books. “In a rare break from their absolute favorites, Mo Willems’ Elephant + Piggie books, my oldest son recently read When Stars are Scattered and had such a profound response to it. I suggest it to all my mama friends with older elementary kids. We homeschooled for 18 months during peak Covid times, and books were everything. They’ve remained consistent readers, and it’s the ultimate silver lining.” When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, $12.08, Bookshop and Amazon.

Little Cocoa Bean Co. “A former client and friend, Tracy Skelly, has created a wonderful purpose-driven company in Little Cocoa Bean Co. Everything is well-made and sturdy without compromising on style. Even though my kids have outgrown most of their products, we still use our insulated tumbler cups and straws daily. They recently opened a toddler cafe—such a cool concept!—near Boston, and I can’t wait to visit next time I’m in the area!” Little Cocoa Bean Co.

The post Mother Essentials: Austin-Based Storyteller Tiffany Rose Smith appeared first on MOTHER.

As for how motherhood has continued to change her as an artist, she says: “I have less fears, I feel more free, proud. The birth of my son was quite a traumatic experience and I very much felt like I almost died and got to live again, that’s why I was more eager than normal to create. To create is to live. This was more in the beginning,” she explains. “It becomes a bit harder to photograph as he gets older because he has his own thoughts and desires now and of course doesn’t want to stand still. But together we make a game of it, do crazy poses, photograph his monkey toy. We laugh. The last time we did it he didn’t want to stop in the end!”

It’s this very real push-and-pull relationship that she hopes to convey in her portraits. “I like to show the very special bond between mother and child, to stand still about that. I think it’s one of the most beautiful things to experience and it’s not only about my experience. I find it very touching if I see other moms and children having an intimate moment with each other. Like laughing to each other, giving a hug, or hiding behind mom’s legs. I find it very interesting and beautiful to photograph it, to have a time capsule,” she says. “To see my son physically growing in my photos, and me getting older. Together we change, but hopefully we’ll always have the bond we have now.”

See Sanja Marušić’s latest, Sanja & Sasha, in the slideshow below.

The post “Sanja & Sasha”—The Latest Motherhood Portraits By Sanja Marušić appeared first on MOTHER.

In addition to inviting us into her cozy home to talk life, career, and motherhood, Tash and her kids (ages 9, 3, and 1) showed us how they are using the eco-conscious, BreathableBaby Mesh 3-in-1 Convertible Crib in their space. Built with sleep safety and a non-toxic lifestyle top of mind, the Greenguard Gold certified 3-in-1 Convertible Crib and EcoCore Organic Mattress is ideal for infants and toddlers and features their innovative, highly breathable and patented mesh that gives parents peace of mind while their babes are off in dreamland. Check it out and hear Tash’s inspiring story below!

This post is brought to you by Mother + BreathableBaby.

The post At Home With Seattle Mama Of 3 Tash Haynes & BreathableBaby appeared first on MOTHER.

You can check out the space in our slideshow below, as well as hear about Sade’s journey to motherhood, including her most recent pregnancy. We discuss her career (“My career is my children! But that was my choice, I sacrificed myself, career, and goals for my family.”), the ups and downs of pandemic parenting, and her self-care habits during pregnancy—including incorporating the breakthrough, plant-based iron supplement Ferritin+ into her routine.

For a limited time, MOTHER readers can try Ferritin+ at 15% off!

This post is brought to you by Mother + Flora.

The post At Home In New Jersey With Mama Of (Almost) 3, Sade Llits appeared first on MOTHER.

I am a visual and social person. As an artist, I have historically been motivated by the world around me. I’ll gather pieces of information when I peer out my window: a teen walking their two family dogs, neighbors rushing to their cars to do the alternate street-side shuffle; all of these pieces of daily life spark ideas of connection and creation for me. So when the world unexpectedly shut down in March of 2020, seemingly overnight, and my daily visual cues disappeared, to say I struggled would be an understatement.

The first few weeks were filled with panic, anxiety, and question marks. Beyond whether or not I had enough food, toilet paper, or masks, I was unsure of where to physically be. As I watched many friends and neighbors make a massive exodus to second homes, parents’ houses, or AirBnBs, I—as a single parent who shares custody of her child—couldn’t make sense of it. Sprinkled in between this internal dialogue of what to do were constant phone calls rolling in, reminding me that New York was the worst place to be, the epicenter of Covid—and yet it was my home. So I did what I thought best—I stayed.

Before Covid, my daughter Coco was with me 75% of the time, but as we all became teachers and playdates for our children, leaving little room for much else, her father suggested this might be the time to move to a 50/50 setup. I welcomed the idea; I was drowning trying to entertain a 5-year-old and keep up with the illustration work that was coming in. It seemed like the chance to free up time and space for myself, which I thought I would apply to work and overall mental well-being. But the extra days of being alone made me realize it wasn’t just time and space I was lacking. I had been severed from all of the tactile cues and exchanges that fed my creativity, and without it (and without my daughter), I felt overwhelmingly lonely.

For a little while, I lingered in this space of loneliness. So many difficult feelings showed up: anxiety, stress, grief. I had lost my desire to make artwork, and I felt empty. But with time I began to think—not just about everything I missed, but also what I would do when things got back to normal and what I would change. I started to come to terms with my parameters and consider new ways to connect.

My first effort was called “The space between you and me,” a series of conversations with friends, neighbors, and strangers in which we spoke about quarantine over Zoom and I sketched their portraits. I posted each drawing and an excerpt of our conversation on Instagram, and in 6 months I had conversations with 52 people from all over the world. Being able to speak to so many people and see the common theme of craving and missing connection was extremely therapeutic.

Around the same time, I began training to become an end-of-life doula, which is something I’d wanted to do for a long time. Emotional care at the end-of-life stage is often neglected by our society, and being able to contribute and make a difference for another human means the world to me.

These new outlets offered bright spots in the isolation of Covid, but I still felt anxious. So many things felt out of my control—the global pandemic, the state of the government, the inability to just be able to get together with friends.

So instead I took a look at what I could control and how I might shift perspective. I started looking within. If my visual sense could be such an important tool for creativity, perhaps some of my other senses could offer something similar, or something else.

So I started to play around with smell and touch. I began using essential oils as tools for inspiring, but also grounding myself. One smell of jasmine would quickly shift a mood, or a hint of lavender might make my shoulders soften a little. I was so surprised by these uplifting feelings that I turned it into a practice, maybe even a way of giving myself a hug. “You’re A.OK” became my mantra.

That’s when I decided to create A.OK., an all-over oil born of a ritual, my daily practice. It’s the perfect oil for winding down after a rough day or calming anxious thoughts, while also being incredible for my skin. I created it as a tool to reconnect with my body and mind, and I hope that it can spark the same creativity for others.

The past 2.5 years have pushed me in ways emotionally that I could not have anticipated, and there were times I couldn’t see my way through. In the past, I’ve let my environment and all of my external influences shape how I feel. But what I’ve learned is that, despite what might be out of my control, we all have the ability to influence how we feel. And it can all begin with the smallest ritual.

Photo By Joseph Robert Krauss

Are you a mother with something to say? Send us an email to be considered for our “Mom Talk” column.

The post Mom Talk: When 2+ Years Of Isolation Leads To Inspiration appeared first on MOTHER.

“Just two days before I left to make this photo series, my own mom told me she was sick, cancer. I was feeling down and insecure, wanting to be very close to my son, hold him close. You can see that in some photos,” explains Marušić of the new 30-image series. “Later on we got some good news from my mom’s doctor and you can see the transition in these photos, some are a lot more energetic and happy. So the subject of motherhood is double in the photo series.”

Check out Marušić’s latest creations in our slideshow below, and be sure to follow her at on Instagram at @sanjamarusic and @sanjamarijamarusic, and visit her website sanjamarusic.com. If you are interested in buying a print from this series, you can email sanjafotografie@gmail.com.

The post SANJA MARUŠIĆ’s Photo Series Documents Motherhood 1 Year In appeared first on MOTHER.

“What do you do?” should not be a difficult question to answer. Certainly during our corporate careers we each had a straightforward answer. “I’m a lawyer” or “I work in marketing.” We found that when you step out of a mainstream career the answer becomes less clear. Women, us included, often battle imposter syndrome and over-explain their career to justify their creative endeavors. Why is this transition so difficult? As mothers we give so much of ourselves to our families, but we have to remind ourselves living for ourselves as well, and staying committed to our passions, IS good mothering. Leading by example is giving your children permission to do the same. And we are clearly not alone—many mothers go through this as the fog of the toddler years lifts. The support we can find in each other is invaluable.

For us, our artistic paths started in our twenties. But when faced with a crossroad, we pursued more traditional careers in order to be financially independent. Our art dreams were put on hold. Fast forward twenty years and between us there are two corporate careers, two marriages, and six kids. We had been going through the motions and routine, trying to keep it all together and then we came to a stage where we could finally take stock. (For Erin, it was when her kids entered elementary school, for Jaime, her 40th birthday was a turning point). Mothers, and women in general, tend to give it all. How can you find your true self within the framework of the service of motherhood? Who am I? How can I return to my authentic self? These were questions spinning in our minds and we discovered that other mothers around us were asking the same. It can be scary, leaving the security of an existing career for something that is more volatile. And we felt thankful that our previous careers afforded us this opportunity.

After we had shepherded our children through the toddler years, our forties became a time to reclaim ourselves, to focus on what engaged and motivated us creatively and professionally. For the both of us, it was the opposite of the mid-life crisis, but rather, a mid-life enlightenment. We left our traditional careers and poured ourselves into our art. We built home studios, calendared time for our art practice, and said no to some obligations which in turn allowed us to say yes to our art. We approached our art practice with the same diligence we had invested in our previous careers. Erin began creating hand-thrown plateware for Bay Area restaurants and Jaime created large-scale, abstract paintings. The more we worked on our art, the more alive we felt.

Returning to our art practice in a more meaningful way was a rebirth, a coming back to our true selves. But as with any birth, support through that process is vital. We are so grateful that we found that in each other. While we had known one another casually for years, it was during the pandemic that we reconnected, having regular calls to talk about our art goals. There were so many similarities in our paths we felt an immediate connection and relatability to one another’s experiences. Sharing those experiences, especially during a time of isolation from the pandemic, fostered support and confidence as we pursued more established art careers. We discussed business advice, contacts, strategies to build our practice and push our respective crafts in new directions. But the most meaningful part was knowing we had someone who understood our commitment to our art, the struggles and successes and overall awakening we felt when we were creating. We hung up those calls feeling energized, motivated, and inspired. The phone calls became therapy, accountability, and empowerment for both of us.

Whatever your path, whether it be writing a book, creating a clothing line, making music, or pursuing a creative endeavor—if you are feeling unsure about taking this step, know that you are not alone. It can seem overwhelming. Gather support from your community, from other mothers going through the same transition. Stay committed to your dream, lead by example for your children, and have the confidence in what you are building.

Now when someone asks one of us “What do you do?” we answer without hesitation: “I am an artist.”

Are you a mother with something to say? Send us an email to be considered for our “Mom Talk” column.

The post Mom Talk: Mothers Supporting Mothers in Creative Pursuits appeared first on MOTHER.

Another passion of the San Clemente-based mama is green living, which made her the perfect candidate to take the brand-new Juno bassinet for a test-drive. The award-winning product is inspired by the Finnish Baby Box of the 1920’s that provided a safe and healthy environment for the first 4-5 months of baby’s life. Juno’s modern design—ideal for newborns up to 4 months old—includes an elevated sleeping surface, renewable and non-toxic materials, a breathable interior, and an organic sleeping pad. The lightweight, infinitely portable pop-up sleeper takes only 30 seconds or less to set-up and can be moved from room-to-room with ease—making it extra-simple for sleep-deprived parents.

Check out the safe, sustainable, and affordable product and get to know Zo’e and her cute kiddos in our slideshow below!

This post is brought to you by Mother + Juno.

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