Liquid Gold
Liquid Gold
11"x14"
Limited edition of 100
A mother nursing her first-born child for the first time—it was a struggle she wasn’t prepared for, but she was passionate about giving her child her milk for all it’s benefits. It pained at first— tears streaming down her face, and she reminded herself that being able to produce milk wasn’t a gift that every mother was able to do, she didn’t want to give up on the opportunity. Thankfully the bond was finally achieved when a wise woman shared her wisdom. The challenge to overcome this battle made nursing for the new mother much more magical when she nourished her child. From then on, every time she nursed her baby, a surreal feeling went through the mother’s body; a feeling of content - bonding with her baby. Her breast milk was truly “Liquid Gold” in her eyes.
Artist Note
The story behind this piece was inspired by my journey as a young single mother nursing for the first time. I was scared holding my baby for the first time, I had no clue what to do. I cried for hours trying to figure out how to nurse my child, most of the nurses tried their best to help me. One nurse talked about overcoming her challenge nursing and the worth in the end. It wasn’t until a lactation consultant came in and explained techniques which made nursing much more relaxing. I felt that the relaxing feeling can be best describe as a tingle through the body. This tingly feeling was best represented by the gold pigment in the design. I decided on the name Liquid Gold because I found it was commonly used in mother support groups referencing breast milk and all its nutrients, and rarity.
I continued to nurse for 3 years of my son’s life, which honestly was kept a secret for all the judgment that happens when a lady nurses over 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or even nursing at all. I hope that nursing will be normalized soon as it’s such an amazing feeling for both mother and child, and has many benefits.
My hopes are for this print to inspire other moms to do their best and try their hardest – most of us have been there. Also, I’d like to give recognition to mom’s who are not able to nurse, that it’s okay, and you gave it your all. Most importantly I’d like to give thanks to all the nurses and lactation consultants for all the women they empowered.
