Mother of Thousands

Mother of Thousands
2013
acrylic on paper

This self portrait, entitled Mother of Thousands is a reflection of a conflicted self-image after the birth of my son.  Complications during childbirth prevented a natural delivery and left me with a wounded body and ego.  During my recovery, I found the ability to nurse my baby both healing and empowering.  Self-doubt has succumbed to instinct and the identity of "mother" has emerged.

The Mother of Thousands plant, a self-propagating succulent, is known for growing baby plants and dropping them into the soil below.  This particular plant is one of the many offspring that has grown under the care of the women of my family going back to my maternal great-grandmother.

I have harvested several babies from the many plants growing in my garden.  I invite you to take one, place it in some soil, and nurture it in your own way.

photos by Mari Hernandez