A Shared Canvas: Painting a Life of Connection and Creative Expression

This Mother’s Day, MEKKA celebrates the inspiring relationship between Dr. Mary Beth Gasman, the acclaimed author and educator whose work has shaped minds, and her daughter Chloë, the in-demand illustrator whose art commands attention. Join us as they explore the nuances of motherhood, the strength of shared passions, and the powerful narrative they’ve crafted together.

Marybeth, your influence as an educator and author is undeniable. Looking back at your journey with Chloë, what moment stands out where you intentionally led with your heart, trusting your maternal instinct? What wisdom did you gain from that experience that might resonate with other mothers in our MEKKA community?

“Chloë is my heart. I have always tried to consider that although she is my daughter, she is her own woman. She had unique ideas, beliefs, and passions, and she needs to have her successes and failures. As a mother, you want to protect your daughter, and you should, but you also must let her fly on her own. My instinct is to protect and help Chloë, but I have to pull back and let her help herself and come to me when she needs me. I think the hardest and most beautiful part of being a mom is seeing how much of you is in your daughter, even those things you struggle with.”

Your life’s work is rooted in knowledge and the written word. What key values or principles did you hope to instill in Chloë, nurturing her intellect and artistic spirit, and guiding her to discover her unique purpose?

“I have worked hard to dedicate much of my life to equity and justice, and I do that through teaching, writing, research, and using my voice. From the time Chloë was younger, I had the expectation that she would stand up for others, be kind, and understand that she is just one person in the world, not the center of the world. When I think about her contributions today, I am happy that she is her own person, not someone easily influenced by others, but someone who marches to the beat of her own drum. Her art is beautiful and inclusive, as is her writing. She sees the beauty of the world as well as its weaknesses and helps us understand them.”

Legacy extends beyond personal achievements; it’s the threads we weave within our families. What aspects of your upbringing, the lessons you’ve learned, and the wisdom you’ve gained do you hope will become a lasting part of Chloë’s story and your family’s enduring narrative?

“From my mother, I learned to work hard, persist, laugh, and realize my power as a human. I have taught Chloë the same lessons. I taught her that she must work hard, use feedback, pick herself up when she falls, and help others as she progresses.

I have also tried to teach her how to respect herself as a woman and believe in herself. There are so many negative portrayals of women in society that send us the wrong messages. I always tell her not to compare herself to others and that she gets to define herself; others don’t have that right. It took me a long time to understand this lesson, but once I did, it was life changing.”

(MaryBeth and Chloë in Iceland on vacation.)

The mother-daughter bond evolves beautifully. How has your understanding and expression of love for Chloë transformed as she’s become the accomplished artist she is today? What new facets of your love have emerged?

“I love Chloë more and more every day. I didn’t think it was possible to love her more, but it is. I used to think watching her as a child would be the most gratifying for me. However, watching her grow into a young woman has been truly beautiful. She just turned 26, and I love watching her explore the world, learn new things, and face her fears. I’m occasionally stunned when she shows me her paintings, as I can hardly believe she came from me. Her voice, eyes, and ways of seeing the world are unique and so different from mine.”

Reflecting on your remarkable connection with Chloë, what do you see as the unique and profound purpose of your mother-daughter relationship now that she’s navigating the world as an independent and creative force? What special dynamic do you cherish most?

“My purpose and role in Chloë’s life is to support her emotionally and be her biggest fan. I want to be a safe space for her to be completely herself. We all need someone who loves us exactly as we are, and I try to provide that space for her when she needs it. I think the dynamic that I cherish most is when we are traveling. We take several vacations per year – as we do our best work when we are rested – and during those times, I love to listen to her laugh, see her marvel at new things, and watch her take in the art and culture. The thing about Chloë and me is that we have immense fun working and relaxing. She’s my best friend; I trust her care and love for me 100%.”

Do you have anything else that you would like to share?

“My mother has always loved me deeply, and I share that love with Chloë. For those mothers reading, I ask that you love your daughters deeply and role model a beautiful life for them in the best way you can. My mom didn’t have money or connections – she couldn’t take me on vacations – but she gave me her heart and support, and listened to me when I needed a friend. These kinds of contributions to a relationship are essential.”

(MaryBeth and Chloë standing in front of a lake in Ireland)

Chloë, your art resonates deeply. Can you recall a specific instance where you felt particularly guided or supported by your mother’s love – perhaps during a challenging moment in your artistic journey? How did that maternal support influence your path and your creative voice?

“I have always felt supported by my mom as an artist, which I know doesn’t always happen for other artists. Many artists are discouraged and even belittled by family members, but my mom has always seen it as a wonderful part of me. At one point, I had a full-time office job where I was miserable, and I expressed to my mom wanting to be a full-time artist instead. She was completely supportive of this choice and encouraged it, seeing how unhappy I was in the position, especially because I had very little time and energy for art. As a full-time artist, I am happier, healthier, and reaching my full potential, which I couldn’t have done without her support.”

Witnessing your mother’s dedication to education and the impact of her words must have been inspiring. In what specific ways has her passion and approach to her own life’s work helped you to uncover or pursue your own artistic purpose and the unique stories you tell through your art?

“Having a mom with a background in education and history influenced my drive to seek knowledge and learn more, specifically from the past. Most of my artwork draws from history and art history, and this has made me realize how much of an impact my mom may have had on the themes I gravitate towards the most. For my most recent body of work, I have been doing research in American history, including African American history, which is the area my mom works in. I also have an interest in going into teaching, specifically as an art professor. When I was younger, I thought I was so different from my mom, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that our interests intersect; we just express them differently.”

( Security by Chloë Epstein)

Every artist carries influences and lessons that shape their work. What’s one significant value or piece of wisdom you’ve absorbed from your mother that you consciously carry with you, hoping it will contribute to the artistic and personal legacy you are building?

“If you want something done, then do it.”

Now that you’re navigating the professional art world, what’s something new you’ve come to deeply appreciate or understand about your mother’s love and guidance? Perhaps a perspective or a sacrifice that resonates with you in a fresh way as an adult?

“I think I’ve really started to notice all the little things that my mom does. Helping me with art shows, being at my events, listening to me, informing me about opportunities, sharing my work with others, and so much more. It has made me feel loved, appreciated, and confident about my work, and I want to do my best to return that same support to her.”

Your relationship with your mom, a respected educator and author, is unique. How does this special bond, with a mother who has her own powerful way of communicating and shaping the world, contribute to your sense of purpose, your identity as an artist, and your place in the world?

“Seeing how my mom communicates, especially as a woman, has shown me that my voice matters and that the only way to share my ideas with the world is to be brave and speak up.”

(Mary Beth and Chloë sitting on a hayride at a nearby farm)

Do you have anything else that you would like to share?

“If I could give some advice to both parents and kids, it would be to listen to each other and care about each other’s passions, problems, and goals. This is how my mom and I have always been, and I think it’s the main reason we are so close. We love each other, but we also like each other, and I think that’s important. “You are absolutely right! My apologies for that oversight. Here is the corrected ending:

Stay Connected and Follow their inspiring journeys: Dr. Mary Beth Gasman: Instagram at X (formerly Twitter) at @marybethgasman Chloë Epstein: Instagram at @snapdragon_draws | Web: chloeepstein.com