100 Women
100 Oceans
NOTES FROM THE PARENTING UNDERBELLY
A collection of stories, fables and poems with prints and commentaries based on 100 intimate interviews set in the West Kootenay region of BC, Canada.
Dear Fierce Mountain Mama:
Hello and welcome!
I'm an artist passionate about exploring the diverse experiences of motherhood. Did you know there are 575 lone-parent households in Nelson, BC, with 435 of them led by women? Paired up, co-parenting or lone mama-wolfing it, I'd like to invite you to share your story (or part of it) with me for the 100 Women | 100 Oceans - Notes from the Parenting Underbelly project. All identities, backgrounds, and voices across the gender spectrum are welcome.
This project is a collaborative art-making process. I’ll create images and writing based on the oral stories you share. You also have the option to respond to our conversation with your own artwork—be it pictures, drawings, or text.
My written response could take the form of a story, fable, poem, or lyrics. For my second reply, I will create a mix of drawings, linocut prints, and a photo portrait of you which is optional.
Together, we'll build a meaningful collection that honors the parenting journeys in the West Kootenay region with care, curiosity, and respect.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Carina
Carina Costom
About Me
I'm a bilingual early career artist fluent in French and English. I do not speak the languages connected to my known ancestry: Arabic, Russian, Hebrew, Ladino, nor Yiddish. My creative practice includes: writing essays, stories and poetry, as well as photography, illustration, facilitation and a persistent quest to understand family, culture, and the cost of belonging.
I am passionate about the arts, nature, cultural anthropology and of course, "momming". #ImOneInA100
PROJECT PART ONE
The Timeline
Fall 2025 to Fall 2026 to complete:
▣ 100 interviews
▣ 100 written and visual artistic responses.
▣ A first draft of a manuscript.
The Steps
#1We'll set a date for a recorded conversation. Complete a Q & A and informed consent process. Enjoy a good a chat! You receive a transcript for vetting. |
#2
I'll create 3 responses to your recorded sharing using: a) creative writing, b) visual art, c) portraiture. Responses can be shared with you if desired.
In your own words and images, you can choose to create something meaningful and keep it for you or share it.
#3
There may be opportunities to gather one-to-one or in small groups and share. This is an organic community engagement project and is open to your ideas and personal inspiration as well. Let's see what wants to happen. Stronger together.
RULE NUMBER ONE: There are no rules.
RULE NUMBER TWO: Ignore rule number one. Here's why.
Make Peace
make peace
with all the women you once were.
lay flowers at their feet.
offer them incense and honey and forgiveness.
honor them
and give them your silence.
listen.
bless them
and let them be.
for they are the bones of the temple you
sit in now.
for they are the rivers of wisdom
leading you toward the sea.
I have been a thousand different women.
- Emory Hall
www.emoryhall.com
Header Image
"Mother and Child" from Vecteezy via Canva.com. Layered with Ocean scene (stock image). Free usage.
