rossana martinez

What a great day we had in New York yesterday. In the afternoon, I went to a meeting in downtown Manhattan and as I entered the building, I already knew that after the meeting, I was going to walk the Brooklyn Bridge back home.

While I walked the bridge, I saw lots of runners, tourists and smiles. We’ve had a tough winter this year and yesterday was a nice break from the snow and the cold. I thought of how much I miss running the bridge in the morning, but I also thought about the happy time I’m in.

It’s funny how a big belly ⎯ the sign of a new life ⎯ brings so many good wishes and happiness. Strangers approached me to simply wish me the best and tell me a bit about their experiences. My due date is approaching, but at this time I’m (sort of) mentally prepared that baby boy may want to see the real world anytime now.

Some of you have asked me to write about my pregnancy experience as an artist, runner and yogi. I’ll be posting more soon, but to begin, I highly recommend to stay active during your pregnancy. Of course, you should consult your doctor. For me, being active, eating well and continue doing my normal activities (with modifications), has made my experience a very positive one. It’s quite amazing how our bodies are built to adjust to all these changes.

As an artist, I’ve had different reactions about my pregnancy. The’ve been mostly positive, but I’ve also had the strange looks and comments. Motherhood is just not for everyone ⎯ artist or not. As my mother taught me: be yourself no matter what others think. So if you’re an artist thinking about starting a family, I suggest to respect all opinions, but embrace what works for you and totally ignore the rest.

Here is an interesting study from the National Endowment for the Arts Issues Research Note on Women Artists: 1990 to 2005:

Women artists are as likely to be married as female workers in general, but they are less likely to have children. In 2003-2005, more than half of all women artists and all women workers were married. Yet only 29 percent of women artists had children under 18, almost six percentage points lower than for women workers in general.

To read the complete study, go to NEA research note Women Artists: 1990-2005.

Image:

Georgia O’Keeffe

Brooklyn Bridge, 1949

Oil on masonite

Brooklyn Museum