Grace Farris: Finding Humor in Motherhood
Doctor by day, artist by night, Grace Ferris shows up on Instagram wearing a daisy necklace and a cool-friend vibe, but the consistency and focus of her work suggests she’s also a thoughtful, sensitive soul. There’s a “Why not?” quality to the way she combines her medical career with a love for art that feels refreshing and natural. She started making comics at a young age, and now contributes illustrations to Cup of Jo, The New Yorker, and NPR, while also teaching medical students how to become doctors. Grace uses her art to unwind from work and revel in quotidian pleasures. I imagine her talking with patients, filling out school forms, and shuffling through bedtime, while a sketchy section of her brain filters her experiences through an artist’s lens, thinking about how she might find humor in a human moment.
You’re Invited…
Grace keeps notes on her phones and tries to draw a cartoon at the end of each day after the kids go to bed. As you lie in bed tonight, think back on your day and choose a moment that would make a good cartoon, something that would make people say “So true!” You can sketch it on a notepad or just imagine it. There is magic in simply bringing an artist’s eye to daily life. Share your experience in the comments if you’re inspired.
Meet More Mothers Who Make…
We were talking about swim lessons today and preparing by practicing goggle wearing. My husband was telling them about how they seal onto their face, and my 3 year old goes "Yeah! So the seals don't get in!" There was also some commentary about body differences and nipples but I'll save that for another time. 😆
Inspiring!