Jacq: ceramicist & mum
For my fifth portrait of ‘My mum is an artist’ series, we are meeting Jacq Lines, ceramicist and mother to two teenage boys.
Jacq has always been a creator, an artist at heart and her warm personality shines through her contagious smile. Her ‘mum’ portrait was a refreshing change from my usual photoshoots with toddlers as there is a different dynamic with teenagers. I spent a fun morning with them walking the dog, baking and showing their mum how to play video games. The strong bond between Jacq and her sons is tangible and that’s what I tried to portray in my photos. Jacq creates her ceramics in the Kiln Rooms located in Peckham and lives in Greenwich with her family.
Let’s meet the artist…
1. Tell me about yourself. What do you do? How long have you been doing it for? How did you get into it?
Originally from Australia, I came to the UK 20 years ago to do some travelling. Australians in general are fairly nomadic, so it was a very normal thing for me to do. I was here a few years when I was blessed with a pregnancy and decided to stay. It was much easier back then. Fast forward and I have 2 sons, a 16 year old, a 13 year old and a soon-to-be step-daughter who is 11.
I have always been very creative, I’ve always loved art, painting particularly. Creating has always been my solace, if I wasn’t doing it, I yearned for it and now that I can spend so much of my time using my hands, I am definitely at my most content.
I’m a ceramicist now, and have been doing this for around 4 years. Before that, I was a silversmith, but through a change in circumstances I had to put it on hold. When my life brought me back to a time when I could start creating/making again, I picked up some clay instead of metal.
2. Has motherhood changed you as an artist?
I’m not sure if motherhood or age has changed me as an artist. I definitely feel as a mother you become all consumed by that role. Particularly in the beginning. During my first pregnancy, I was working as a florist, in my spare time, I could not stop painting, there is something about my make-up that wants to externally mimic the creation of life that’s happening within me. My second pregnancy, all I wanted to do was draw, I picked up charcoal (having never used it) and would sit for 6 hours drawing (when I could).
Of course, when your children are little, you use so much creative energy looking after them, but I was silversmithing then, and this gave me the space and opportunity to zone out and reboot. When my oldest was napping, I would make jewellery, and when he went to bed, I’d continue. Silversmithing was both therapeutic and almost like a low maintenance companion.
I feel like motherhood dictated how I created, when I created and what I created. Sometimes it was jewellery to sell, sometimes it was a painting for my son’s bedroom, but it’s definitely led me down certain creative paths, that fit in with raising a family. Things that you can do within the home, that possibly requires minimal space and that which you can stop and start. I couldn’t work on a long term project for instance in the house with kids.
3. What has helped you combining your family life and your professional/artistic life?
A supportive partner. Physical and Mental space. And older children who are less demanding of my time.
4. Do you have dreams for your children?
That they discover their inner strength and the importance of their inner selves early on in their adult journeys. That they love, they feel joy, they laugh and they thrive. And that they have the confidence to follow their hearts desires.
5. Have you noticed an artistic side in your children?
All our children are artistic. My oldest son Mack, has been going to Aircraft circus school for 9 years and is fantastic on straps. He also plays guitar, My youngest son Remy, plays keyboards and has a very creative mind. Whilst, my partner’s daughter Zoe, who is 11, loves all things to do with creativity.
6. Who is your inspiration in life?
My kids, they inspire me to try and carve a career doing something I love, so that I can eventually show them that it’s possible at any stage of your life. My Dad was creative, I didn’t know him for long or that well, but one of my earliest memories are definitely of him using a palette knife with oil paints. When he passed away, is when I decided to get back into my creative passions.
7. What advice would you give out to other mums who try to combine their art/creative work with their family life?
I found motherhood hard at first and thankfully, that changed. But I think my advice is to definitely press pause in your baby’s formative years. Give him/her your undivided attention. Watch, notice and record everything you can. Also, it’s of the utmost importance that you take care of yourself, but press pause on the ‘shoulds’ for a few years. ‘Should’ make dinner ‘Should be successful’ ‘Should be building a career’ ‘Should have the perfect home’ . Now that my boys are older, I always wonder if I did that as well as I could’ve done. And of course, always keep the creative fires stoked. It’s great for them to watch you pursue your loves.
8. What are your main struggles and victories since becoming a mum?
Your children are definitely your mirrors. That’s the struggle, always watching them reflect you back to you, oh and the constant guilt. Main Victories? Being blessed enough to become a mum. Having healthy children. Watching them become the young men they are destined to become? And all that gorgeous love that flows in the space.
9. Is it true that women artists “can’t have it all”?
Women artists “can’t have it all?” I think it depends upon how you define ‘all’. I feel like I have it all at the moment, but I think you just need to think a little laterally when defining ‘all’.
10. Can you tell me about your plans for this year?
I’m getting re-married, I plan to set up a website and continue making. I plan to enjoy my children as much as they’ll let me. And be thankful for every beautiful moment that graces me in this gorgeous life.
Where to find Jacq online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacq_lines/
Meet the other mums artists:
This ongoing personal photo project ‘My Mum is an artist’ has allowed me to meet incredible and talented female artists:
Marion & You Photography is a lifestyle and documentary family photographer in South London specialising in family, newborn and baby photography as well as maternity photography.
[Marion specialises in London family photography, Beckenham family photography, Crystal Palace family photography, Bromley family photography, Dulwich family photography, Forrest Hill family photography, Herne Hill family photography, Greenwich family photography, Kent family photography as well as areas in and around London.] My style is natural and relaxed. Ask me questions or book your own family photoshoot here.