Matrescence
the moments we wish we could freeze
The first time I heard the term “matrescence,” which means the process of becoming a mother, I instantly recognized myself. This process, like adolescence, is full of change (of circumstances and of self). The more I reflected on it, the more I described it as a tension: a constant tug of push and pull, of letting go and gaining (of self, and of children).
(note, there’s a term for dads too! It’s “patrescence.” Since I am a mother myself, I opted for the other term, but either applies here ;))
This ongoing series documents observations of those changes. From moments we wish we could freeze (but must let go of), to wonderful moments of play, to precious messes left for us to find, this series uses candy colors and emotion to explore the child in all of us.
“sandcastles” and “feet while eating watermelon”, both 20’x20” oil on canvas
Tiny hands and feet are an inspiration in this series. The way they play and move and express is endlessly endearing. From building sandcastles together, to the way toes wiggle while the child is eating watermelon, these paintings capture the sweet movements of a child’s hands and feet.
blocks (figuring it out as I go), 24”x24” oil on canvas
teacups (onto the next thing” 24”X24” oil on canvas
The still life paintings are part of a “precious messes” train of thought. Moments of play, abandoned suddenly for whatever the next thing was, left for me to find. These precious messes are windows into their brilliant imaginations, and reminders of the need we all have to explore.
See all paintings below, available through Well and Wonder on February 27, 2023
A portion of art sales from this series will also be benefiting the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation. As I was making this series, I reconnected with a high school friend who's beautiful daughter, Emmy, is suffering from daily seizures due to this genetic condition. At the moment, hope is in a new drug that needs funding to complete clinical trials.
