Archetapestry IV: The Mother

Size:

38 x 54 cm (15 x 22 inches)

Medium:

Inks and mixed media with underprint on Fabriano Artistico 640gsm HP Watercolour paper.

Original handmade variant:

1 edition only

Status:

Available

“Maternity… means bringing something into existence. Just as the woman gives birth to the child, so the maternal mind produces the work.” — Carl Jung

Here she is, folks, the finished work. She’s a biggie and one that I have a very complex relationship with. I literally got violently physically ill when I finished her, and then I realised the toll these archetype pieces have taken. They may not be beautiful or alluring artworks that can comfortably hang in the den, but they are artworks I’m called to make in order to come to a better understanding of myself, which is a lot of what art is about to me.

The Mother in Jung

I don’t think anyone could disagree that the Jungian Mother archetype is one of the most profound, powerful and multifaceted concepts within this Ensemble? Pantheon? Assembly? of psychology. It represents the nurturing, caring, and maternal aspects of the human psyche, both in men and women. It encompasses a rich tapestry of attributes and symbolism that shed light on the profound role of maternal figures in our psyches.

What is she about?

• Nurturing and Care: At its core, the Mother archetype epitomizes nurturance and care. It embodies the capacity to provide sustenance, both physical and emotional, akin to a mother’s nurturing presence.
• Protection and Safety: The Mother archetype symbolizes a protective sanctuary. It is the warm embrace that shields individuals from life’s harsh realities and fosters a sense of security.
• Creativity and Fertility: Beyond its maternal connotations, the archetype is linked to creativity and fertility. It is the source of new ideas, projects, and life itself.

Common symbolism…

• Mother Figures: Mother figures in literature, mythology, and religion often embody the Mother archetype. For example, Mother Mary in Christianity or Demeter in Greek mythology.
• Earth and Nature: Mother Earth is a powerful symbol of the nurturing and life-sustaining qualities of the Mother archetype.
• The Womb: The womb symbolizes the place of gestation and the origin of life, representing the nurturing and creative aspects of the Mother archetype.
• The Breast: The breast is a symbol of nourishment, comfort, and sustenance, reflecting the caregiving qualities of the Mother archetype.

In short, the Mother represents the maternal, nurturing, and caring aspects of the human psyche. She symbolizes qualities such as compassion, protection, and creativity. Understanding and integrating this archetype can lead to a deeper connection with one’s own nurturing instincts and a greater capacity for empathy and caregiving, both in familial and creative contexts.

If you are one of the mighty who has embraced motherhood, you have my eternal respect and admiration.

~NM