YARA + DAVINA on hacking motherhood, job-sharing art, and making space for mothers in public culture

When YARA + DAVINA both became mothers around the same time, they didn’t back away from their art – they joined forces. The artist duo, known for their socially engaged work spanning various mediums, decided to collaborate as a job share to ensure they remained visible in an industry that often overlooks mothers. Their creations, ranging from poetry to bronze sculptures, focus on themes like care, identity, and the audience for art. In a candid interview, they discuss the impact of motherhood on their creative process, managing the challenges of balancing caregiving with artistic pursuits, and the pressure to excel in all aspects of life.

Motherhood significantly influenced their career decisions, leading them to form a partnership that allowed them to nurture both their children and their art without fading into obscurity. Despite the time constraints and occasional guilt, they found a way to balance being part-time moms, part-time artists, and full-time friends. Traveling for work posed challenges, but they supported each other through guilt and emphasized the importance of making time for their art to effectively care for others. They hope their children will understand and respect their artistic endeavors.

The duo constantly feels pressure to excel in various roles, a challenge they tackle by prioritizing tasks and supporting each other in picking up the slack when needed. They advocate for changes in the creative industry to better support mothers, including family-friendly residencies and funding for childcare. By collaborating with other artists and mothers, they aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment in the art world. Their public artwork, WOMAN – WHOLE, created with and for mothers, challenges traditional gender norms and celebrates the completeness of women.