This Mother’s Day - balancing art and motherhood

 
Clockwise from top left: Debbie Bonello, Vania Goshe, Natasha Dadush and Jo Dounis

Clockwise from top left: Debbie Bonello, Vania Goshe, Natasha Dadush and Jo Dounis

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today’s Sunday Times of Malta carries an interview featuring Allura Art’s Debbie Bonello, Jo Dounis, Vania Goshe and Natasha Dadush.

In the article these popular local artists talk about juggling motherhood with a regular painting practice, what their kids think of their art and how making and appreciating original art can bond us with those we love.

In this blog post we bring you the rest of the interview plus a selection of their paintings.

Click here to read the online version of the article in the Sunday Times of Malta.

As a mother, how do you find time to paint?

Natasha Dadush:

“I always painted, but when I became a mother art went to the bottom of the list and I didn’t touch my brush for a few years. Motherhood means having to sacrifice your time to fulfil your role, but it gives you more discipline and motivation. You have to try to dedicate some time for your artistic practice.”

Natasha Dadush with her painting Waiting for the Season

Natasha Dadush with her painting Waiting for the Season

Debbie Bonello:

“Motherhood and art practice fill every minute of my day. Being a mother is the biggest challenge and also the biggest blessing.”

Debbie Bonello in her studio with Allura's Laura Swale during filming of Artist Secrets

Debbie Bonello in her studio with Allura's Laura Swale during filming of Artist Secrets

Do your children engage with your art?

Debbie Bonello:

“They will both point out things they like and those they don’t. It’s always an interesting conversation, one that grows and constantly flows.”

Immersed by Debbie Bonello

Immersed by Debbie Bonello

Jo Dounis:

“As a single mother with two small children, I had little time to myself but my creative side always found a way to emerge. Whenever I could, I painted or designed and made their clothes.”

Jo Dounis with her artwork at The Big Show

Jo Dounis with her artwork at The Big Show

“My children were already grown when I got back into the art scene, but I sometimes find myself having to share my time between my art and grandmotherly duties.”

Gossamer by Jo Dounis

Gossamer by Jo Dounis

Natasha Dudush:

“I always ask my children’s opinions on each piece I produce. I never taught them art but both my boys have very visual personalities, they love art and everything beautiful and stylish. My eldest son even joined me when I took part in the Fabriano International Watercolour Festival in Italy.”

“As a teacher of art, working with children is hugely inspiring for me. They never fall to amaze me with their creativity.”

Old Key by Natasha Dadush

Old Key by Natasha Dadush

What does your own mother think of you being an artist?


Natasha Dadush:

“My mom is a doctor and she always wanted me to follow her path. Nevertheless, from my early years my parents recognised my artistic calling and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of my parents.”

Twilight Roses by Natasha Dadush

Twilight Roses by Natasha Dadush

Debbie Bonello:

“My mother is a critic, and she makes it clear that she prefers traditional art, so anything experimental or semi-abstract is not to her liking. She is however very proud of my achievements and is always very supportive, especially when it comes to solo shows.”

Vania Goshe:

“My mother was very proud of me, but she passed away. She saw how happy art made me and was always very supportive.”

Vania Goshe with her painting The Old City

Vania Goshe with her painting The Old City at The Big Show

Happy Mother’s Day!

A very happy Mother’s Day from Allura to all the hard-working mums out there. Today is about you and we wish you a wonderful day.

The paintings featured in this blog post, along with many others, are available through the Allura Art gallery. Artwork is available at studio prices and can be delivered or collected locally or shipped overseas. To view artwork according to budget, visit the search by price page.

For news and updates from Allura, follow the Allura Art blog, join the mailing list or follow Allura on Facebook.

Finally, in case you’re new to Allura Art…

About the Allura Art Collection

The Allura Art Collection is an evolving, curated collection of original paintings, by more than a dozen contemporary painters based in Malta and Gozo. The Allura Art website features pieces in a variety of genres, styles and sizes to suit home, office or commercial interiors. Original paintings also make beautiful and unique gifts, and the search by price page makes it easy to browse according to your budget.

The Allura Art collection is regularly updated with new artwork and new artists. To receive updates by email, join our mailing list.


About the Allura Art advisory service

Allura Art also offers an advisory service, which serves commercial and residential property owners, as well as architects and designers, either seeking direction, or looking to commission a bespoke series or site-specific piece.

Whether residential or commercial, Allura can source, commission or design individual pieces or curate a selection tailored to an interior design scheme.

Allura also welcomes professional relationships with architects and designers as well as contact from other interested parties.

About Allura Art

Allura Art deals only in genuine and authenticated originals which are sourced directly from reputable living painters. We offer original fine art at studio prices with secure online payment and safe shipping internationally or local delivery throughout Malta and Gozo. Visit the Allura Art website or find Allura on Facebook or Instagram at @allura_malta. Contact Allura at info@allura.mt or +356 99583389.

#alluraart #alluramalta #originalart #maltaartists #landscape #mothersday #flowers

 
Laura Swale

Laura is a visual artist, writer and entrepreneur from the UK, with a background in arts education, cultural event-planning and curatorial work. She is the founder of Allura, a multi-award-winning arts organisation based in Malta, established to showcase creative talent and bring it to a global audience. Laura writes visual Arts and cultural content for the Times of Malta and the Malta Independent, she is a judge on the panels of several art prizes and a regular guest speaker at the University of Malta. Formerly a secondary school art teacher and head of department of fifteen years, she is also a practising artist, regularly exhibiting and selling her work.

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Mother’s Day gifts - original paintings for Sunday May 8