This Mother's Day, artist Bella McGoldrick explores the diverse stages of motherhood and how she shows up in the world differently since having her two twin boys. 

My favourite stage of motherhood so far has been the newborn stage. It's interesting how each stage changes so quickly. Especially with twins, everyone wants to warn you how hard it will be, but I didn't find it that difficult. I think I was really locked in for the first year, and now that they are about to turn one, I want to do more of my own thing and separate a little bit more, which is hard. The newborn stage was so good because my husband, Tyler, and I took the time, and it was all we were doing. Being able to make that your sole focus is such a joy.

My biggest challenge so far has been recently, as the boys are getting sick a lot more. We are also at a stage where we are looking into childcare so I can balance my work. It's definitely a challenge to focus on work and the boys at the same time. 

My journey as an artist began when I was in University, creating and selling my drawings. I have been doing it in this version for 8 years now. 8 years ago, living in New York City, I was between work and thought I would see if I could sell my drawings again. I posted on Instagram to draw whatever people wanted for $100. It started there, and I have been able to continue. Each sale has meant more confidence, more time to draw further or create bigger works, and it has allowed me to invest more in it. Now my husband, Tyler, works with me, and it supports our family, so it's ideal and great to work from home as a mother. 

My role as a mother has given me more purpose as an artist. I am a little more forward-looking since having children. I used to not even be able to plan a month ahead, and now I'm looking at the next 10 years, so it makes me able to think bigger. Also, the hours really count, and I have become more efficient because if I have only two hours to work, I'm working! 

When it comes to motherhood, we need to have more conversations around the fact that when you become a mum, you're not just a mum. You are a woman with children, interests, and relationships. I love connecting with women on a more holistic level about our lives with or without children. Sometimes I feel that when I'm looking for relationships, it can be too single-focused, and I want that whole spread of a life. You can have so many facets that define us, and I don't want to be seen as just a mum.

As a mother, a lot of things go unseen. But I think this is something that actually brings us closer as women, as maybe it's only the other mums that see us, a kind of kinship. Nobody else really understands how much we're doing or how little sleep we have had. There's kind of just a look that you give another mum that says, I feel you. I found that quite nice that kinship with other mothers. 

My mother is my number one supporter. The pride that she sees in me fills me up like nothing else. I want to have that for my own children. Her support was never wavering in every part of my childhood and career, and it's given me so much confidence to do anything.