Claire Venus: Finding an Island for Mums

What did you use to do during recess? 

Ah playtime in the UK?

We would play at the foot of a HUGE oak tree and in autumn collect acorns and play shops.  We also ran and skipped a lot and played out in the rain.  I think there were snacks and in my first year of Primary School, we also got milk to drink.     

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?

Yes!  I was always complemented on my creativity at school.  I grew up in the 80s where the creative curriculum and creative expression was really valued at school.  These days creativity can be found in my work, my writing, my passion for book making and in my allotment garden where I keep chickens, love to grow flowers and some autumn fruits. 

How did motherhood change your creative practice?

Yes massively especially with my second child.  When Luna came along I’d been successful in an application to Arts Council England for a project called ‘Creativity Island for Mums’ – it was a year long exploration of how we can weave creativity into early motherhood.  It culminated with my creating a journal to encourage creativity in motherhood and to act as a keepsake for the future.  I’m very sentimental when it comes to memory and my motherhood journey.

I’ve recently started a new community with a creative mother friend called ‘Company of Two’ where we explore business, being and balance in motherhood.  We have a podcast, a Substack and lots of space for guests.

When do you feel most creative?

Out in nature – I feel like life is so precious and fast and then nature shows me a new way to be.

Who would you love to collaborate with? What’s a dream project for you?

I love this question – I’m honestly not sure – I guess I’m yet to find them?

What do you do when you feel burnt out or filled with doubt?

Take time away from screens, switch on fairy-lights, go for a walk in nature, call a friend, text a few too.  Eat nourishing food and talk with my husband.  I love to play with the kids and pull myself out of the drama of self doubt… I’ve done so much work on my wounds with it all I can often pinpoint the source wound and I send so much compassion for the version of myself that feels lonely, alone and still needs to heal.

What’s your favorite super easy creative practice to do when you’re looking for fresh ideas?

To grab a big piece of paper (a3 size), some coloured sharpies, a playlist or the sounds of nature and just to journal everything out…

How can we support and encourage each other more?

Share each others work, guest post like this, ask more questions about process and inspiration…

What do you hope your kids will learn about creativity from you?

My lack of concern with perfectionism – I just try things – they often don’t work.  My son is actually artistically very talented and schools don’t really give him the resources to grow in that so I am trying to give him more access to beautiful materials and ways to create in ways he’s interested in.   I’ve allowed my daughter access to pens, pencils and crayons since she could hold them.  She’s just 2.5 so she’s very interested in making mess – it clashes with me as I struggle with chaos but leaning into it as beauty is actually very inspiring and it informed a lot of my year-long photo exchange with my friend and mother artist Sarah Shotts.  We called it #themagicmundane – you can find our photos on Instagram and on Sarah’s website.   

If you had a million dollars to make the world a better place, how would you spend it?

I love this question and I feel like the modern world makes a million seem possible?  I would invest in two properties with space and land, re-wild it and invite folks there to be creative and take care of their creativity and the earth.  I adore being asked expansive questions and I’m a huge fan of a vision board – thank-you!

If you could give everyone a small treat, what would it be?

Seeds for beautiful wild flowers   - I often save them in pretty envelopes…

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Claire is a multi-passionate Engagement Consultant and Mentor who helps individual creatives and small businesses go from confused and indecisive to strategic and free.  Claire uses person centred creativity and holistic mindfulness techniques to get you on your beautiful path to your true north.

Claire lives by the Northumberland coast under dark skies with her husband, two children (age 2 and 8) and 7 pet chickens.  She works in sync with the seasons, loves to write and can often be found cosying by her log burning fire journal and pen in hand in. 

She’s passionate about our individual lived experiences and environment and it’s influence and believes we can all share our creative and authentic voice. 

You can find her on Substack at

or Instagram @creatively.conscious

You can also learn Substack with her over at

If you’d like to purchase one of Claire’s journals, she has a waitlist open and plans to have more for sale before Christmas this year.

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Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.