A Week of Mothers – Day 4

May 8, 2009

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Wrapping up the artist interviews this week is my friend Raya Carlisle, the creative mind behind the blog The Paper Pony. Out of all my blogging friends interviewed, Raya is the only one I actually know in person, so I can tell you that she is every bit as beautiful as her work is!

Describe to us your work:
I’m a wedding photographer by profession, but love all types of art: painting, drawing, collaging, sewing, design…I could just make things all day.

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I’ve learned that being a stay-at-home mom and business owner/artist does not have to be mutually exclusive. How do you maintain a balance between the two?
Sometimes I wonder what people are thinking when they hear a child screaming (always out of joy, of course, ha) and a dog barking in the background. I talk a lot about staying at home with Baker and just try to make it part of my story. Thankfully I’m in an industry where it’s all about connecting on a personal level with my clients so I think they can appreciate that I’m a mom first and photographer second.

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As for balance, the last week or so I have really been trying to make certain days “work” days so that on the other days I can just focus on being a mom and keeping Baker busy with fun activities. I have definitely been guilty in the past of running back to my computer every second I get. Those days aren’t good for anyone so now I have one day where Baker goes to a babysitter and try to only do “work work” three days out of the week, even if it’s only at night on the other two.

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Motherhood is a full-time job and then some. What keeps you inspired and motivated to create?
I think we all have our thing we do to relax and bring us back to center. For me it’s theraputic to sit and cut paper for an hour : )

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We as mom’s are always producing: a clean home, food for our families, fun activities for our kids, so for me to have some time to produce for myself is so refreshing and I crave it. I’ve have definitely thought about quitting my photography business on those days where I just don’t know how I’m going to get those photos edited or answer those emails, but then I go shoot a wedding and I get a renewed sense of fulfillment and confidence from doing something I’m good at and that I love.

As an artist, what do you hope to pass on to your children?

I really hope to expose my children to all types of art and design from many different periods. My mother is an artist and my father a musicisian so art in many forms was always a part of family life. As I type this Baker is drawing with eating crayons. When he does get the crayon to the paper his face lights up and makes me smile too.

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Does your child have any special talents you’d like to share with us?
I have to say Baker has some sweet dance moves for a 15 month old. The boy’s got rhythm already!

And lastly, what do you wish for this mother’s day?
I told my husband all I want — all I want for reals — is just a day to go shop around and hang out by myself. For some reason I love shopping aloneand this is the thing I’ve given up most since having a baby. I want to go to the Americana at Brand in Glendale and spend hours in H&M, then eat some Pinkberry.

Thank you for sharing Raya!

(All images by Raya Carlisle)

Filed under: Design, Guests

8 Comments

  1. Comment by dawn suzette on May 8, 2009 3:36 am

    Beautiful images! Thanks for the introduction Jenn! This series has been inspiring. Thanks for putting it together!

  2. Comment by Aubrei on May 8, 2009 7:12 am

    I know of Raya from some photos she took of Bri and from her friend Shelly. VERY talented:) Great week of reading about how other mom’s have put their passions to work for them. I’m getting more and more inspired to create more myself…thanks for sharing all of their stories Jenn!

    P.S, The Americana. Fun. Fun. Fun. Definitely a full day’s play

  3. Comment by dana on May 8, 2009 8:21 am

    Beautiful/cool photography and inspiring words.
    Thanks for sharing Raya!
    And totally hear you on the day alone shopping at Americana H&M…..and mostly b/c then I could scour the cute kids section withOUT the kids there!

    Jenn, GREAT series! Thanks for putting it together. Inspires me and reminds me that I’m not the only crazed mother out there trying to get her craft in while trying to be a (good :) ) mom.

  4. Comment by Amy @ Living Locurto on May 8, 2009 8:26 am

    Raya- I love your photography! Just beautiful. You’ll have to visit us over at I Heart Faces:-) Our photo challenge theme next week is “Laughter” and we’re having surprise photographer contributors that you’re sure to know and like on Friday:-)

    I love to hear of all these artists/moms with young children. It makes me feel normal. Most of my artist friends have older kids and have no clue what my day is like:-) Thanks for sharing these fun moms with us Jenn!

    Happy Mother’s Day:-)

  5. Comment by Jess @ The Finer Things on May 8, 2009 9:06 am

    wow these photos are fabulous– love the ferris wheel especially. Ultra-romantic :)

  6. Comment by Carla on May 8, 2009 8:48 pm

    What a splendid gift idea! I can’t remember the last time I actually enjoyed shopping for myself. Glad to discover your site!

  7. Comment by franki durbin on May 9, 2009 5:10 am

    What an amazing tale. I love her (and your) refreshing honesty. As a stay at home mom/business owner/blogger/designer/mother/wife/friend/superhero I can absolutely relate everything she says. Some days I think I just should give up my own pursuits…but then I’d be less “me” and wouldn’t be doing much good for anyone else.

    A great message for mother’s day. Perfect timing!

  8. Comment by ruby on May 13, 2009 9:41 am

    i love her photography! i love hearing how these other WAHM balance everything. This was a great idea jenn!

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