These Beautiful Artworks Were Made By A Mom Of Two 'While My Kids Are Sleeping'

"Sleep when your baby sleeps," might be one of the most overused pieces of advice, especially to first-time parents. While this is ideal, some parents would agree with me that this is easier said than done.

This rings true to Kristine Anne Legaspi-de Jesus or Kutz, who used to stay up for a few more hours after putting her two kids to bed. For her, this is her sacred space where she can spend some quiet time alone after a long day.

"Nung pinanganak ko si Lukas, 18 months lang yung isa ko. Sa nagkaroon talaga ng phase sa buhay namin na parehong toddlers sila. Every sleeping time is mommy's time talaga," Kutz said in an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting. Her artworks, which she used to keep to herself, are uploaded on her Instagram account, aptly titled, @whilemykidsaresleeping. Her kids are now aged 11 and 9.

How Kutz started making art

When Kutz was younger, she enjoyed drawing and doodling. She wanted to become an architect, but she ended up studying accountancy. 

"So I just went on with life, worked on a career, met my husband there, and had kids. When we had Lukas, my husband and I underestimated the demands and responsibilities of raising two toddlers at the same time," she shared.

"I reached the peak of it when putting both kids to sleep and this is where I hit a maturity stage of having an appreciation for the value of 'peace of mind.'

Kutz revealed that every time she left home for work, she felt guilty for not being there for her kids. So she makes it a point to take care of them as soon as she comes home and puts them to bed.

^{One of Kutz' first artworks.}

"I am sure a lot of parents can relate to this but the most peaceful, calm, relaxing and accomplished part of every working or stay-at-home parent is the quiet sound and sight of their kids asleep," she said. "But this is also the time where you are already tired from work and home chores that you also get to fall asleep. I would literally force myself to stay up and get up, open my drawer of art supplies (which I hid from my kids that time) and just make art."

^{One of Kutz' first commissioned works}

In 2016, she thought of starting an Instagram account where she can document her works. Thus, @whilemykidsaresleeping was born.

"I think I only had 10 followers that time. I was not promoting nor sharing it with anyone because I was very shy to showcase my work," she said.

How she's going

When the demands of her work during the pandemic took a toll on her mental health, she sought help from a health professional, "This is where I realized how your mental state of health is equally as important as your physical state of health," she said.

"I need to make sure that I am physically and mentally healthy before I can start taking care of my kids. And to be mentally healthy includes pursuing your passion or simply doing what you love." —Kristine Legaspi-de Jesus

Aside from making art, she also tried journaling, listening to motivational podcasts, and practicing yoga. In 2022, Kutz discussed her plans to take a break from her work with her husband. 

^{Kutz' first fish art in the “Talipapa” series that paved the road to her artistic journey. Her first commission received from a complete stranger was from this series.}

"This is where I started exploring and working acrylics on canvas and to my surprise, I have received good responses. God is good all the time," Kutz shared.

Now at 41, Kutz' artworks are starting to be featured in art exhibits and galleries in and around the metro. Some of her works were also sold through art auctions. She also receives commissioned requests starting with her family, then colleagues and friends, and even strangers who are amazed with her talent.

Tips for parents

Kutz emphasized that it took a lot of time and discernment before she finally decided to leave her career and pursue her real passion. She also stressed that there is no one-size-fits-all method in taking this leap. Here are some tips Kutz would like to share with parents who feel like they don't have time to do what they love because of parenthood:

1. Life is short.

"You and your kids are not getting any younger, and so are your parents (if they are still here). If you understand the value of this I think everything you do, and every decision you will make everyday, will be different. Understand the value of doing small things every day until you develop that discipline. I started by making it a point to draw a page in my sketchbook everyday," Kutz said.

2. Clear your mind.

Kutz advised, "Pray, pray, pray, walk, breathe, and avoid eating junk (as much as possible)."

I'm sure di mo ireregret na 'I stayed with my kids, I gave up a portion of my life, or I put my life on hold,' pero don't forget to always come back where you want to go." —Kristine Legaspi-de Jesus

3. Be practical.

"Sometimes, passion can overtake you so much that you might end up making at-the-moment decisions you regret. You still need to be practical especially when kids are involved. When I realized that I want to make art for the rest of my life, I did not leave work right away. I needed to check our finances, save up, secure my kids’ needs and ensure that my partner is also on board with my decision," she shared.

'Parents, take care of yourself first'

Kutz also stressed the importance of finding something to do and be happy about outside parenthood. 

"When I was conducting operations management training to leads, I always give this example. Every time we board an airplane, we are always reminded that before we secure a child’s lifevest or oxygen, we should first secure ours. If you understand this principle, you know that before you can save someone’s life, you need to secure yours. This applies life in general and even to parenting. I need to make sure that I am physically and mentally healthy before I can start taking care of my kids. And to be mentally healthy includes pursuing your passion or simply doing what you love.

^{Kutz' artwork featured at Galerie Anna}

While some may perceive her belief as being selfish, Kutz said she has heard and seen many stories of parents who had to give up their dreams, put all their energy into parenting, and regret it in the end.

"I think we should be changing our mindset from “giving up” to “putting it on hold” and continue pursuing what you love when you’ve reached a steady state," Kutz said. "I also think that your parenting partner plays an important role as well. You need to have a supportive partner who understands what you love to do outside your family obligations."

We are inspired with Kutz' works and what she has achieved just because she carved time to do something for herself amid the busyness of parenthood, even though it was not easy. 

"If you browse through my Instagram, you would see that my work has evolved from black and white into full of color. The most common feedback I would get is that my art sends out good vibes and really makes them happy. Some would even say that my artwork is a reflection of their bubbly and vibrant personalities. If there is one word that resonates, it is really “happy.”

Find your happy, and go do it—while your kids are sleeping.

Catch Kutz' artworks at the Nuzen Art Gallery in Tagaytay this April entitled “Grow.” You can also follow her on Instagram here.