FAQ

What is this project about?

​100 Women – 100 Oceans: Notes from the Parenting Underbelly is to be an illustrated collection based on real conversations with parents in the West Kootenays. In this phase, my aim is to gather 100 stories from women and gender-diverse people who are parenting—or have parented—in this region. We’ll talk about the full spectrum of parenting: what’s tender, what’s hard, what’s true.

Why am I doing this (personal goal)?

I'm a mom, a writer, and an emerging artist. I work with words, images, and story to make sense of the world—and invite others to do the same. This project blends art with anthropology to explore parenting in a way that’s relational, creative, and care-based.

This is also deeply personal. I’m looking for my own growth/healing, purpose and truth, and I believe in the power of shared story to bring that forward.

​What is your artistic goal?

My short-term goal is to listen deeply to our parenting stories—yours and mine—and shape them into meaningful art.

​That may look like:
A written response — in the form of a short story, poem, or personal essay
A visual response — such as a linocut print or portrait
An experimental response — like asemic writing or mark-making (optional and open-ended).

Each piece is a reflection—created with care and offered back as a gesture of connection, not conclusion. You’re always welcome to respond, revise, or simply receive.

What’s your background?

Before this, I worked in writing, editing, communications, community engagement, employment counselling and even wore a chicken suit one summer. I’ve been a managing editor at Black Bear Review and currently balance art-making with momming full-time. You can read more about my journey here.

Are you making money from this?

At this stage, this is a self-funded, independent project in the pre-registration phase. I’ve applied for a Canada Council for the Arts grant and will know more by Fall 2025. If awarded, it will provide a living wage for one year (or up to 2 years) to support the project’s completion.

Down the line, should the fruits of this project - or other companion projects - generate significant proceeds, the vision is to give back to the local community perhaps directly or through a social enterprise - with an eye on emergent priorities identified by participants.

Are you cleared to work with vulnerable people?

Yes. I’ve previously passed criminal record checks while working with nonprofits.

Can I stay anonymous?

Absolutely. You’re welcome to choose a pseudonym, and you can change your mind later if you like.

Do I have to talk about my kids?

No. This is about your experience of parenting. We'll be respectful of stories that aren’t ours to share. Consent is ongoing, and we'll check in together.

What if I don’t know what to say?

You won’t be alone. We’ll have warm-up questions ahead of time if that helps, and we can let the conversation unfold naturally.

How much time should I set aside?

Roughly 3 hours total, spread out over 2–3 sessions. We’ll be flexible and adapt to what works for you. If something doesn’t feel right, we can try again. Adults get redos too.

Can I see the other stories and art works?

​Yes, in time, when informed consent is in place for all participants and the work has progressed enough to be shown. 

Want to know about the process?

Want to know about my motivations for this project?

Contact me to register.

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