Soaked In Love

A soaked umbrella hangs above two shoes; one pair is a kids dry rain boots and the other larger womens shoes, drenched. This represents the child staying covered, while the mother leans the umbrella away from herself over the child. This quiet, everyday gesture captures the instinctive sacrifice and unnoticed love that so often goes unspoken in motherhood. This art piece honors those small, selfless acts.

Made with Resin

Thereaded Beads

What Emily Heard/Saw:

Organized on my boarding school's campus, most passersby found it touching and understood the general message, especially with the timing of Mother’s Day and the subtle message written on the shoe sole. I was particularly struck by how many faculty members engaged with the piece. Since Mother’s Day fell on a Sunday, a lot of faculty families (who lived on campus) were in the area I set up for meals, which added another layer of resonance with all their family members present. One comment that stood out to me was how the piece was immediately recognizable to parents. Someone commented how it didn’t feel overly sentimental, but rather quietly heartwarming. Several people asked for the installation to stay up longer as I was taking it down, but I only had permission for two days.

How Can I do this?

1 / Set Up

Start by clarifying the message or feeling you want your art to share with your community.
Reach out to friends, mentors, or local artists who can support your creative vision.
Gather the materials you’ll need.

2 / Invite

Create!

Think strategically about where and when to display your work to reach and engage your community best.

3 / Interact

Most importantly, advocate for your piece. Documenting your journey helps spread your message beyond the moment of creation as well.

Try it out in your Community

Try creating your own art piece that captures a act of care that might be important to you that may go unseen. Share it in your community to spark reflection on motherhood. Art is a great medium because it doesn’t demand a explanation, but invites interpretation. Where care work and motherhood are often overlooked, art can open conversation in uniquely personal and communal perspectives!