In this episode of Parenting Creative, host Nikko Snyder talks to theatre artist Marya Folinsbee about the relationship between creativity and parenting. They talk about resiliency, absurdism in life and in theater, sneaking up on writing, finding magic in the mundane, perseverance and how art insists upon itself (sometimes over years!), the role of solitude and retreat, redefining creative work and productivity, and Marya's new play, The Mosquitos.

Marya shares her journey as a theater artist, the evolution of her work, and how her experiences as a parent have shaped her artistic expression. The conversation emphasizes the importance of process, the value of modeling resilience and failure to children, and the transformative power of play in both parenting and creativity. Marya emphasizes the value of community and the importance of modeling independence and self-care for children, and she shares practical strategies for navigating creative challenges and redefining what counts as artistic work.

• The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Writes the Book, by Ursula LuGuin
• Material Theatre on Instagram
• The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Writes the Books, by Ursula LeGuin
• Material Theatre

Parenting Creative explores the places where creative life and parenting collide, and all the magic and mess that ensues. Through deep, honest conversations with diverse artist-parents who are walking the walk, we explore both the struggles and the real, practical ways to make creativity and parenthood work—on your own terms, in ways that sustain and inspire you for the long haul. And we do it in community—because neither parenting nor creative life can thrive in isolation.

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Takeaways

• We are better parents by embracing our own identities.
• Creative life and parenting can coexist harmoniously.
• Art can be found in the mundane aspects of life.
• Modeling resilience and process is crucial for children.
• Failure is an integral part of the creative process.
• Art does not have to be perfect to be valuable.
• The journey of creation is often unpredictable and transformative. Rediscovering joy in art can heal perfectionism.
• Community plays a vital role in the creative process.
• Balancing parenting and art requires intentionality.
• Self-care is essential for effective parenting.
• Children benefit from being included in creative spaces.
• Redefining productivity can enhance artistic growth.
• Artistic pursuits can coexist with parenting responsibilities.

Chapters

02:04 The Intersection of Creativity and Parenthood

06:09 Claiming the Artist Identity

11:55 Navigating Domestication and Wildness

18:12 The Role of Ceremony and Spectacle in Daily Life

23:52 Modeling Resilience and the Creative Process

36:11 The Role of Children in Creative Processes

49:35 The Nitty Gritty and Life Hacks

Keywords

parenting, creativity, theater, absurdism, resilience, identity, art, motherhood, process, wildness, artistic process, parenting, creative challenges, self-discovery, resilience, community, artistic expression, work-life balance, personal growth, emotional waves