A Mother’s Eternal Cocoon

This painting is dedicated to my mom and all the mothers in the world whose love and care have always been a safe space for their children.

I remember my mom telling me the story of my first day of preschool—how she looked through every window to make sure I was okay, spent hours in the parking lot just in case I needed her, and cried as she watched me walk into the classroom. In this painting, a young mother is shown shielding her child, keeping it safe from the outside world. The geometric shapes reflect the complexity of her thoughts as she tirelessly works to protect and nurture her child, ensuring it thrives and remains healthy.

When I came back from school that day, she saw the joy on my face, how much I enjoyed being there, and how I had made new friends. That’s when she realized I was okay—and that it was okay for her to let go.

This artwork portrays the love of a mother cradling her child, shielding it from a world that feels overwhelming and unpredictable. The vibrant colors on the right side of the painting are swirling and chaotic, symbolizing the real world—scary at first, but full of beauty and opportunity when seen up close.

Only when a mother lets go, as my mom did with me, can her child experience those opportunities and grow to make a difference in the world.

I have named this piece A Mother’s Eternal Cocoon because the mother and child in the artwork form the shape of a cocoon. Just like a cocoon shelters and protects, it also prepares for the moment of transformation. At some point, as my mom did, every parent must trust their child to grow, spread their wings, and fly—just like a beautiful butterfly.

Inspired by the painting by Pablo Picasso “The Dream”

Size: 36”x48”
Medium: Acrylic
Surface: Stretched Canvas