LENKA CLAYTON

“I am a woman. I live with my husband in a building less than 30 miles from here. I’m a mother and have under three children whom I gave birth to in a hospital. I breastfed my children which in the beginning was very painful but later became enjoyable.

Having kids challenged and expanded my marriage. My sense of time has changed a lot. To me the days feel very long, and the years very short. I anticipate things I see that my children might enjoy and enjoy them more myself. I have a cell phone with me, on which are many photographs of children.

I have taken my child to an art museum, and art opening and have pointed paintings out to them. I have participated in a residency, i have had exhibitions since having children, in which I have shown rectangular and colorful artwork. My child has been to my studio. I have made special attempts to distract or engage them so that I can work, which have both succeeded and failed.

I have been on an airplane. I have been to California. In California I saw very tall trees, about which I had strong feelings.

I have had dreams about bad things happening to my kids, and have been injured myself. I like picnics, I’ve had one sitting on the grass. I have made a birthday cake which has been eaten by my child. I am wearing pants and flat shoes and feel comfortable.

I share this with all of the people standing here with me, in a museum, in Philadelphia. ”