I Cage the Muse

WENDY GAUNTLETT-SHAW – ARTIST

Self Portrait 1997

I had no idea “I Cage the Muse” would turn into the first portrait of my Relevant Women project. This painting came at a time in my life when I was experiencing an artistic struggle. I wanted more time for my painting and art. However, I was a stay at home mom, dedicated to my children, their school, education, our home, my husband.

I adored being with both my children, Alina and Tolan, yet I also felt a strong creative pull. My muse felt caged yet I realized I put this birdcage on myself. I felt as if my creative life was lost in the overwhelming daily small details of my life as a busy mom.

My husband, Doug, was my angel, the one who helped lift the cage off by continuously supporting and believing in me and my art. He would say to me “Go create – do your art!” Wow, what a GIFT.

As our children grew older, I felt uncomfortable with this painting. I did not want them to feel like they were caging me. I left this painting in the garage until they went off to college. When I brought it back into the house I realized that I had only emotionally caged my muse, because, to my complete surprise, I also saw how much art I had created during my years as a full time mom.

I was, and am, relevant as a mother and as an artist.  Now I am creating a global circle of relevant woman. As I paint each woman’s portrait in the Relevant Women project, I now know it started with my own.