Empowering Artistry: The Triumph of Women Supporting Women
In the vibrant world of art, where creativity knows no bounds, there exists a sisterhood that transcends mere collaboration. It’s a sanctuary where brushes meet canvases, where dreams take shape, and where the spirit of camaraderie thrives. Welcome to Thou Art Mum (TAM), where women artists, nurturers, and creators come together to celebrate the power of femininity in art and in life.
Back in 2019, when I first joined TAM, I was excited by the prospect of not only exhibiting my art in venues I hadn’t before, but being part of a collective who truly understood my struggles creating art while being a mother. Life changes dramatically when you become a mother; Some of us come to a realisation that we are not only mothers, but still women who have a love for something that we don’t want to let go of or give away. In the case of TAM and its members, that is art.
TAM isn’t just an art group; it’s a testament to the unwavering support and solidarity among 35 remarkable women artists, all of whom are mothers residing in the picturesque Nillumbik and Banyule council areas of Victoria, Australia. Bound by a shared passion for art and a commitment to lifting each other up, TAM embodies the essence of empowerment through creativity.
At the heart of TAM lies a simple yet profound mission: to provide a space where like-minded women can gather, exchange ideas, and showcase their artistic talents without inhibition. It’s more than just a platform for exhibiting artwork; it’s a nurturing environment where friendships blossom, ideas flourish, and dreams take flight.
For many of us, TAM isn’t just a group—it’s a lifeline. It’s where we’ve found kindred spirits, forged lifelong friendships, and even discovered unexpected business partnerships. But perhaps most importantly, TAM is where we’ve reclaimed our sense of self-worth and confidence as women, and mothers, in the world of art.
For me personally, TAM was one of the steps in my journey to rediscover who I am and the love I have for myself. It was an empowering realisation and I knew that at a bare minimum all women need to feel this way. We deserve it.
I am extremely passionate about this so I have taken the concept and am running with it. In a society where the patriarchy has long dictated the terms of our existence, I want to stand as a beacon of empowerment and resilience. Through our collective efforts, I want women to challenge the status quo and redefine what it means to be a woman in the world and in art.
My art is about helping women to love themselves, as they are. I create nude pieces of art exploring different body types and their “imperfections.” I choose to create my artwork on timber for multiple reasons, one being that it is a part of nature and nature is beautiful. Following this the main reason I create on timber is the link that timber shares with our skin and bodies. Knots and grains in timber can be considered imperfections, yet we love their beauty. In turn, why can we not love the “imperfections” in our skin and bodies?
This journey goes beyond the “canvas” although I use it as a platform; it’s a testament to the transformative power of women supporting women. Through our unwavering support and encouragement, we’ve created a ripple effect of empowerment.
As women, we’ve often been conditioned to doubt ourselves, to shrink ourselves to fit into narrow societal moulds. I am hoping to be able to nurture and embrace women so that we can learn to be and love our true selves, flaws and all. Let’s celebrate our bodies, our minds, and our spirits, unapologetically and without reservation.
Through art, I’ve found a voice—a voice that speaks volumes about women’s strength, our resilience, and our unwavering determination to defy expectations. And in doing so, I’m starting to shatter the barriers that once confined us, pave the way for future generations of women and women artists to thrive.
So, to all the women out there, remember this: you are not alone. You are part of a sisterhood that celebrates your triumphs, uplifts your spirit, and believes in your limitless potential.
Together, we are unstoppable.
As we continue our journey, let us never forget the power of women supporting women, both in art and in life. For it is through our collective strength and solidarity that we will continue to inspire, uplift, and empower one another, one brushstroke at a time.
Here’s to the triumph of women supporting women—today, tomorrow, and always.
