is a 2008 American documentary film directed by Pamela Tanner Boll about the societal push for women to choose between art and motherhood and the struggle five female artists (Maye Torres, Angela Williams, Camille Musser, Mayumi Oda and Janis Mars Wunderlich) face in reconciling both parts of their lives.
The film follows five diverse women artists; Maye Torres, Mayumi Oda, Camille Musser, Angela Williams and Janis Mars Wunderlich, ranging in age from 27 to 65 from all over the United States as they chart a path to create their individual type of art while balancing the demands of motherhood and social expectations.
By following the lives of these five artists, the film explores the intersections of motherhood and creativity, partnering and independence, economics and art, parenting and work.
looks at “the under-representation of mothers in the arts and other creative fields.”[1] In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Boll says that a main theme connecting the women was the “idea of giving yourself permission to do that work you’re called to do.”[2] According to The New York Times, the film “provides a nuanced look at the sacrifices and challenges facing female artists who become mothers.”[3] Maye Torres, a full-time multimedia artist.
"[4] There have been more mixed reviews, one magazine saying that the film has “revelatory moments” but also provides too restrictive a definition of “artist” and at times was “clumsily” composed.