Feeling Into It
Re: Motherhood — curated by Dawn Perry
A Look Behind: Feeling Into It
I really tried to go with my gut and choose images that I felt drawn too without too much forethought. I initially started by thinking about what my kids would like--pizza, pasta, eggs, ice cream--and then found myself choosing images that naturally caught my eye--some reminded me of long-ago travels or moments in time; others just looked delicious.
Which I do think says something about motherhood: we want to put our kids first but we can't do that without feeding our own desires and reflecting on our own experiences even if it's as simple as declaring a need for pepperoni...on half. ;)
How has motherhood shaped (or reshaped) the way you tap into your creativity?
Being a working parent can feel impossible at times: we can get so wrapped in the day-to-day stuff that has to get done that we let the creative play fall away. But trying to force the conditions for creative expression doesn't work either. Lately I'm trying to carve out idle time to let my mind and body wander instead. When time is limited I often try to force myself into a creative space when I need to just chill out. So this busy season of my life calls for more "active chilling".
What unexpected moments or connections fuel your inspiration when you need it most?
You never know when you're going to unlock some bit of inspiration. If I can get and stay relaxed then the ideas really start to flow. Turning off work and personal notifications helps a lot!
Dawn Perry
Editorial Director, Breville+
Dawn Perry is the editorial director for Breville+, Breville’s home for all things connected cooking and coffee-making. She is the former food director of Real Simple and has worked in the test kitchens of Bon Appetit, Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food. More of her recipes and writing have been featured in NYT Cooking, the LA Times, Epicurious, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Country Living and on The Lonely Hour. She is the author of Short Stacked Editions’ Cucumbers (2017) and Ready, Set, Cook (Simon & Schuster, 2021). She lives in the Los Angeles area with her family.