Reflections on “The Moon Mama” Motherhood Illustration

The Moon Mama: A Motherhood Illustration

She is crafted from many layers; love, exhaustion, joy, overwhelm, resilience, and uncertainty.
Her body is a formless mass, capable of morphing into many strange, vulnerable, and spectacular forms.
She cradles the sweetest and purest love in her arms.
Together, mama and baby rest and float in a protective cocoon across the star sprinkled universe.

Creating The Moon Mama Motherhood Illustration

As a mama of two sweet and energetic young children, I am both exhausted by and absolutely in love with motherhood.

As I try to make sense of this wild motherhood journey, I’m finding that returning to my roots as a creator is a wonderful way to reflect and try and gain insight into the essence of motherhood.

So here are some of my reflections on The Moon Mama.

Meanings Behind The Moon Mama

This motherhood illustration shows a mother figure cradling a small baby. She sits on a big puffy cloud, and is surrounded by a sea of small shining stars with a large moon overhead. Her eyes are closed and she appears to be in a restful state. There is a sense of peace and otherworldliness about this contented mama.

The Moon

Half of the moon is in the cocoon-like structure that surrounds the mother and baby, and the other half shines outside of it. The outline of the moon joins these two spaces.

Perhaps this illustrates a mother’s dualistic experience of living in both a small and large world. In one way, a mother’s world feels very small as she is consumed by caring for a small child. In another way, however, her world feels expansive and limitless as she experiences new meaning and direction in her life. Both of these experiences are part of motherhood.

The Night Sky

A starry night sky surrounds the mother as she cradles her baby. As I painted the small white dots for stars, memories of being up in the middle of the night with my babies came to mind.

While these nights were long and exhausting, they were also filled with love and nurturance for my children. This combination of bursting love and chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a mama feeling like she is living in another world; just floating on a big cloud across an overwhelming yet magical universe.

The Cocoon

The cocoon-like structure surrounding the mother and child creates a protective and nurturing space for the mama and baby. The cocoon is made up of the same organic lines and light pink coloring as the mother and baby, suggesting it is an extension of them. It is a space they share and create together; their sanctuary.

One of my favorite responsibilities of motherhood is doing my best to protect and maintain this sanctuary and special space with my kids.

The Mama And Baby

While the mother’s body appears as a formless mass, it gives a sense of sturdiness and strength. Likewise, the baby appears as a small formless bundle, yet appears to be settled and secure in the mother’s supportive arms. These vague forms suggest that both the baby and mother’s identities are still forming, as is their relationship.

As I was drawing the winding lines that make up the mother and baby’s rudimentary forms, I found myself thinking about the many layers I have accumulated and that have become a part of my identity since having my first child.

Many mothers feel like they lose themselves in motherhood and lose their sense of identity. While I absolutely agree with this sentiment, I would add that after that feeling of complete loss can come a powerful feeling of a newfound identity. I love my new identity and am grateful that I learned to shed old layers and accumulate new ones.

I also love watching all of the layers of discovery accumulate on my children as they grow and develop. I get to see them blossom as they become their own little people with their own personalities, interests, fears, and curiosities.

Motherhood Art Explorations

There’s no way to sum up all that motherhood is; not in words or pictures, because I simply do not know. Every year I feel like I take on a new form and have new questions and I’m guessing this process of metamorphosis will never end.

One thing I know for certain right now though, is that I am so incredibly grateful for my chance at motherhood. For the chance to give my children as much love and guidance as I possibly can. And to learn from them.

I know I get many things wrong and I know I will continue to get many things wrong as a mom, but I know that the love I have for kids is never in question. I will always do my best to love, encourage, and support them.

Join me on my journey as I share more on motherhood topics and please feel free to share any thoughts in the comments below!

Prints will be available for this motherhood illustration in April (2025).