Greetings, super-creative Tish Johnson Cook

March 2nd, 2011

One of the artist's handiworks, a cut-paper collage self-portrait

I hadn’t seen or heard from her since our old W days, but when former colleague Tish Johnson Cook emailed to say how much she enjoys this blog (aw, shucks), I couldn’t help but notice that she herself has an adorable website. And here’s the best part: This time-starved, Florida-based, ad agency-exec mama of two did all the hip and cheerful illustrations herself.

So, I thought I’d switch it up a bit and blog in Q & A format today. I wanted to know how Tish slices and dices her schedule to focus on her art, and how it keeps her sane. Without further ado…

Dana: As a busy mommy, how do you make time for creativity?
Tish: I am beyond fortunate to have married my husband, Ben, who takes over the reins when I need my freedom to create. Our partnership is how I’m able to stay sane and take some guilt-free-mommy-needs-to-be-alone time.

I also credit my children for understanding and respecting my need for space. They are encouraged to use their imagination for entertainment or have “quiet time” in their room (without TV), so even if daddy isn’t around to assist me, they aren’t complete cling-ons demanding my attention every single second.

Dana: After having kids, did you walk away from your paints and brushes and pens and crayons for a spell and then come back to it?

Tish: I don’t know that I ever left them, per se. I’ve had a diary since I could hold a pen, and always accompanied words with illustrations. Looking back it feels like my pre-advertising agency days, exploring art and copy. It wasn’t until my first year at University of Chicago where I took an anatomy class and was struck by the idea that I could pursue art as more than just a pastime.

My philosophy side outweighed my love for creating, so in some sense I abandoned my art tools for my attraction to study and analyze art. But after college I worked for an ad agency, and later became a fashion market editor, which is really like being an art curator. Now, I’m finally more focused on producing art as opposed to simply admiring it or promoting it.

Dana: What do your tots make of Mom’s talents? Do they try to create alongside you? If so, how do you manage that?

Tish: They really love to watch me sketch, often requesting that I draw pictures of them. So they’ve learned to sit still and stare at something without moving (not for long though), but it’s great practice for us both. The girls are truly artists in their own rights and self-motivated to paint or draw with or without me.

However, if they see me working, they immediately want to jump in and help, so I really have to put my patient hat on and give them a project.

Lately, I’ve been doing cut-paper collages using an Exacto knife, which is off-limits. Yet to include them, I draw easy shapes and let them cut with their kiddie scissors. The result has been nothing but fun, albeit messy when we break out the Elmer’s.

Posted in Big Wide World | Tags: Tish Johnson Cook

Greetings, super-creative Tish Johnson Cook

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