I thought we’d try something a little different for Mother’s Day. While I’d prefer to center my work — rather than me personally — on most occasions, it’s undeniable that there’s a mom at the center of this business. The juggle of motherhood, specifically raising a disabled teenager, and creativity is the daily joyful struggle that is my life, so we thought an interview centered on that topic would be appropriate!

I chose my friend and fellow creative, performance artist Jen Abrams, in particular, not only because she’s one of the most insightful and inspiring women I know, but also because we met when our children were going through similar struggles a few years ago. Since then, she’s someone I turn to both to relish the joys when things go well and for a meter-check when things aren’t going well and I am not able to trust my gut.

For clarity and a bit of background, I have a 15 year old, Louella, who is autistic with a severe nervous system disability which produces a level of anxiety and sensory sensitivities that are off the charts. As a byproduct of that, they are unable to leave the house most days. They have problems with eating, schooling, and communication. They do not, however, have any issues caring dearly for their hamster, Barty, reading voraciously, or binge watching Gilmore Girls and The Pitt, and they are a true creative in their own right!