"Mystic Mama"

2022

A mother and her baby are not two separate beings, but one Divine reflection of God’s purposeful craft. Surrounded by nature, life, and roots, the scene is inherently spiritual and proclaims life. Historically, Black women have had our intrinsic femininity stripped away and demonized by society, we are once again renewing the story back to its origin with unmatched grace. I wanted to confront that mindset by depicting our maternal beauty, our power as creators, and our inherent & eternal connection to nature. 

Greens and yellows frame the piece, blending into the background and weaving into the colors of the mother’s dress. A white cloak draped across her arms symbolizes the divinity women carry even in the womb. On her cloak, two birds kiss, a symbol of connection and duality in her birth. Pink flowers adorn the surroundings, pulling us back to innocence and natural peace.

The painting came together in an unintentional rhythm. I began with the figure of a confident woman, and as the work guided me, she transformed into a powerful Mother. The piece evolved just as women do during that transition. Stretch marks on her belly remind the viewer that change always comes, and it is always beautiful, even when misunderstood. 

For me, this work marked the first time I understood my art style and the kind of message I wanted to carry forward. I realized I wasn’t making art for one type of person; I was making it for life itself. I would notice bugs looking at me and feel a warm compassion grow inside me, society encourages us to suppress this tenderness. But I challenge you to slow down and observe what it is that makes you curious, no matter how "insignificant". With this piece, I decided that, like mothers, I am choosing to create for creation’s sake. This work is so vulnerable because it exposes my fascination with love. Here, I chose to explore it in a historically unconventional way by openly honoring pregnant women and their bodies. 

I hope mothers who see this work feel seen, and that children of mothers feel wanted. I want people to remember that every one of us began as an innocent, protected being. Cherished and purposefully implanted, destined to be compatible with life. This painting invites growth and opportunity, a reminder to always seek renewal. You might find yourself in the Mother, or the colors, or in the birds, or even the baby itself. Wherever the eye lands, I hope it leads you back to creation.