Pandemic/Parenthood Interview: Cassandra Ott
It’s no secret that the pandemic has taken its toll on mothers, as for many of us our lives have shifted in new ways to make room for caring/teaching/coping with our children at home all the time. I’m sharing some interviews with business owners (who are also moms) I’ve photographed to inspire, uplift anyone who might need it, and validate the struggle it can be to wear so many hats.
“It has been so hard to plan since everything has been shapeshifting. I have learned new things and made a little progress on some projects...I’m slowly getting back into making.”
Cassi at Drop Forge & Tool in Hudson, NY
Meet Cassandra Ott, an artist and designer who creates joyful, colorful mixed media artwork, surface pattern designs and murals.
How old is your kid and what has he been up to during the pandemic?
I have one son, Silas, age 9. He has been doing virtual school and going a bit batty as an only kid, but has impressed us with how well he is coping. He’s drawn comics, started to learn to cook and played tons of Nintendo. He has grown so much over this past year!
How did your practice change throughout the duration of the pandemic?
When the pandemic first hit the U.S. in March, I had just finished up a one week artist’s residency at Drop Forge & Tool, which was wonderful and I felt so motivated to have a super creative and productive year. Pandemic reality hit hard as soon as I came home from that trip and I’ve definitely had a difficult time staying on track or feeling creative during this time.
It has been so hard to plan since everything has been shapeshifting. I was scheduled to paint a mural in Buffalo at the end of the summer, and the project kept getting postponed which was deflating and frustrating at the time, but we pushed it back to 2021 and now it is something to look forward to. I somehow thought it would be so much easier to get lots of work done while being stuck at home, but the reality is that there has been so much mental tax that it is hard to stay focused. I have learned new things and made a little progress on some projects goals for 2021, such as designing a deck of cards. I’m slowly getting back into making... but as far as creating artwork, I have not done nearly as much as I would like.
Cassi at Drop Forge & Tool in Hudson, NY
What do you do to fill your cup/keep yourself sane in the moments when you are not caring for others and working?
Talking to other mom friends also helps a ton! There are so many of us juggling our own sets of unwieldy balls - it’s helpful to know that while we are isolated, we are in this together. Carving out some time to exercise makes me feel better overall, so I try to make that a priority. As does meditating, but I don’t do that as often as I should. Escaping reality with some good reading or TV time is wonderful, too.
How has your creative community changed over the past year?
I am an introvert, and a bit of a homebody who was used to working from my home studio (though not with my whole family present all the time). Covid has brought the opportunity for a lot more virtual meetings which has been great and I have found some wonderful creative camaraderie online. I have a pattern design feedback group that meets once or twice a month which gives me some accountability and constructive feedback in that department. I am also a member of a group called the Art Brand Alliance which has connected me with a lot of other artist/entrepreneurs who are navigating these strange times and sharing ideas about running a creative business. I also really love our local CreativeMornings/Buffalo chapter and they have done a great job of translating their gatherings to a virtual space.
What is a habit you have to fight against?
Definitely procrastination. It comes so naturally, and usually bites me back!
What is something you need right now that people reading this might be able to help with?
I would love to find a local printer who could create archival black and white prints on cotton or fine art paper. I am also working on getting over my mental block around writing. I have always connected so much with visuals and been intimidated by words… so any insight for tackling journaling or storytelling is welcome!
Cassi at Drop Forge & Tool in Hudson, NY