The Art of Becoming: Julia Buchanan on Motherhood and Creativity
Motherhood has a way of reshaping all aspects of life, not at once but quietly in the details. Motherhood shifts how you move throughout the world, what you notice and which memories you choose to hold onto.
For Julia Buchanan, artist, founder of Art School Africa and mother, that shift has brought a new kind of creative clarity in her life.
How has becoming a mother influenced the way you see and engage with creativity, both personally and professionally?
Motherhood has shifted the way I experience creativity in a very immediate way. You start seeing things through new eyes, and you are naturally slowed down. Watching a child grow makes you realise how much meaning sits in the smallest details, the things we often overlook. It has made me more present and more observant, both in life and in work. There is still a constant juggle, but I have found that inspiration often sits in those quieter, in-between moments. It has also softened my approach creatively, allowing more space for intuition rather than always pushing for output.
Has motherhood shifted what you feel drawn to create, support, or prioritise in your work?
More than anything, it has brought a strong sense of clarity. In a creative industry where there are many exciting opportunities, it becomes easy to say yes to everything. But with a baby, time and energy feel very finite. I have become far more intentional about what I take on, choosing projects that feel aligned, meaningful, and sustainable. It has also made me think more about longevity, both in the work I create and in the opportunities I support through Art School Africa. There is a stronger pull towards work that has impact, rather than just visibility.
As the founder of Art School Africa, has motherhood influenced how you approach building and nurturing a creative community?
It has given me a much greater sense of empathy, particularly towards other parents within our community. While a large part of our audience is younger, there is also a growing group of mothers, and I understand their realities in a new way now. Beyond that, it has reinforced how essential community is. As creatives, we are often working in ways that are emotionally demanding, and having a support system around you is crucial. With Art School Africa, I have become even more aware of creating a space that feels supportive, accessible, and human. Not just a platform for opportunity, but one that acknowledges the lived experiences of the people within it.
What has been the biggest challenge in balancing motherhood with running an organisation like Art School Africa?
The idea of balance has been the biggest challenge in itself. I am learning that it is less about balance and more about integration. Some days require more presence at home, others demand focus on work, and that rhythm is constantly shifting. As a founder, you do have some control over your time, but it also comes with the responsibility of using that time well. I have had to become more conscious about where my energy goes, building a strong team, and delegating where possible. It is still a work in progress, especially within a small organisation, but it has shifted how I think about leadership and sustainability.
How has your identity evolved, not just as a mother, but as a creative and a founder?
My word for this year is ‘becoming,' which feels very aligned with this phase of life. Motherhood has not replaced who I am, but it has expanded it. One of the biggest shifts has been recognising how much of my identity was tied to my work. Work remains important and continues to give me a sense of purpose, but it is no longer such a strong defining factor. There is a new kind of purpose that comes with raising a child, and it has brought a different sense of perspective to everything else I do. It has also made me more patient with myself, accepting that growth happens in phases.
What kind of creative legacy do you hope to build, both through your work and through Art School Africa?
My focus has always been to act as a voice for contemporary artists from Africa, both locally and internationally. With Art School Africa, I want to build something that creates access in a real and lasting way. There is an incredible amount of talent across the continent, but the pathways to opportunity are often limited and uneven. I want Art School Africa to act as a bridge, connecting emerging artists to the right networks, resources, and visibility needed to build sustainable careers.
Beyond that, I hope the legacy is about shifting confidence. Giving artists the tools and belief to take themselves seriously, to navigate the industry with more clarity, and to feel that there is space for them. If the organisation can contribute to a stronger, more connected and informed art ecosystem in South Africa, then our goal is achieved!
What emerges from Julia’s reflections is not a story of balance, but of becoming. Motherhood has not replaced her identity as an artist or founder, but has expanded it.