Part of a series of artworks Titled:

The Archetypal Mothers - a Reclamation of the Self.

This series is an exploration of the many layers within motherhood, the sacrifices and the blessings. A testament to divine femininity, identity and the self that is lost and found.

The Wise Mother is a minimalistic painting of a Japanese bride, stood alone and proud. She captures the essence of what it means to lead by the best example. In Japan there is a sociocultural practice, “Good Wife, Wise Mother” (Ryōsai Kenbo) - a dominant gender ideology that defines the ideal woman as one who manages her household and raises her children to “serve the nation”. Through this ideology, women were expected to start families, where they would birth and nurture healthy, loyal children. These children who were boys were then expected to grow up and “serve the nation”, by either intelligent contribution and innovation, or military service. The girls went on to be the next generations of “Good Wives” and “Wise Mothers”. This practice was even enforced through the curriculum within Japanese education, predominantly towards young females in order to promote education as a means to strengthen them as the manager of their homes and families as posed to for professional career development. Although, the social programming aspect of this study is a subject that will definitely start discussions and possibly spark up debates about gender roles and equality and equity; I can also appreciate a richness of purpose in living this way and raising families in this way. Everyone has their place, and knows their roles. The clear guidelines of social expectations offer direction and meaning to every member of the family. Education being at the root of this topic, and the foundation for all of the next generations to come, it will serve not only the nation of Japan to appreciate and encourage education for young families but will serve and enrich the world as a whole.

2025 - Professional standard Impasto acrylic and gouache paint with gold leaf detailing.

100cm x 100cm on a deep edged, gallery standard canvas