Audio Guide to Paulina at the VOAF
Scroll down to find an introduction and audio guide for each artwork narrated by Paulina; a text transcription is also supplied alongside.
Introduction
Welcome! Mabuhay! I am a multidisciplinary storyteller, originally from the island of Cebu in the Philippines and now based in Vancouver. I create art that celebrates the essence of life and its moments.
My inspiration comes from my own life journey and the people I have encountered along the way. Through my art, I aim to make moments linger longer, aiding in the remembering and retelling of our stories.
At this year’s Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival, I am excited to share pieces from my MOMENTS OF MOTHERHOOD collection. Inspired by my own mommy memories, this series integrates various scrap fabrics to symbolize the shared, tender moments between mother and child. These moments may seem ordinary at first glance, but to a mother and child, they are the small pieces that form a precious and significant bond.
The collection was created in Singapore and has been exhibited in six different cities: Bali, Tokyo, Phuket, Penang, Singapore, and Cebu.
Returning to a new city in Canada a little before the onset of Covid, I grappled with feeling like an outsider in the art community due to years spent abroad and balancing roles as a studio artist and stay-at-home mom. The challenges of the pandemic only intensified these feelings, making it challenging to forge connections. This identity as an outsider artist, without doubt, influences my art because themes of interconnectedness and warmth are constants in my work, aiming to provide solace and belonging to those who, like me, may feel excluded or isolated.
| Hearts Connected 8 “x 10” Metal Print |
| I remember the first time I heard my baby's heartbeat at the doctor's clinic. Even though he was just a few weeks old, I could hear him living inside me. I just wanted to say, I’m so happy to be connected with you, child of mine, and I’m looking forward to meeting you one day. |
|
Giving It All
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| Motherhood demands that a mother gives her all and more. In this painting, the multitude of breasts symbolizes a mother’s need to adapt her nurturing approach to each unique child. It reflects how most mothers strive to care for their children in the best way possible, pouring everything they have into this role. However, it’s vital for mothers to receive support and encouragement from those around them, allowing them the time and space to care for themselves as well. |
|
Family Hug
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| This painting depicts an ideal scene of a family joyfully awaiting and preparing for the arrival of a new member. It’s as if the family is reaching out to embrace the baby even before he or she is born. The infant in the womb is shown wearing pajamas, symbolizing comfort and safety, ready to be welcomed into a loving home. |
|
No-no-no!
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| Transitioning a baby from semi-solid to solid foods is always a challenge for most mothers, often met with more food disapproval than approval. In this piece, I highlight a mother’s persistence and dedication to caring for her baby. In a way, this process is also training the mother to give her child the space to explore new flavors and experiences, helping them discover their own preferences and, ultimately, themselves. The patience developed at this stage becomes invaluable as the child continues to grow—moving through infancy, toddlerhood, childhood, adolescence, and finally into adulthood. |
|
All In A Day's Work
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
|
You can do it all, but you don’t have to do it all at once. The pressure women often place on themselves to meet—or even exceed—the standards set by their mothers and communities can be overwhelming. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once; prioritize your baby, and everything else can take a lower priority.
To family and friends of women with young babies: please offer your time and support. The multitude of hands symbolizes the many tasks that need attention and indicates that every new mom could use a little help in various areas. I remember when my son was barely a month old, and a friend came to visit, bringing me frozen homemade perogies that were ready to cook. These thoughtful gestures mean so much. If you can help lighten the load, it can provide new mothers with the much-needed time for self-care. |
|
Learning The ABCs
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| One of the greatest joys of being a full-time mom is the opportunity to be your child's first teacher. I genuinely cherished my role as my son's educator, finding immense delight in reading stories together, drawing side by side, and exploring new ideas. These moments were not just educational; they were wonderful bonding experiences that deepened our connection. |
|
Swingin' At The Park
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| The first few years of my son's life were spent in Singapore, a city filled with beautiful parks and abundant recreational facilities perfect for families with young children. One of his favorite pastimes was swinging—oh, how we could make that swing fly! Laughter filled the air as we soared through the sky, and on those hot Singaporean days, the swing provided a delightful breeze, making each moment even more refreshing. |
|
Juggling Time
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| This piece depicts a mother on a unicycle, skillfully juggling the demands of time and responsibilities. Motherhood is a beautiful journey, filled with both challenges and rewards, yet every mom yearns for a moment of respite. If only there were someone to pass those juggling balls to, even just for a day—how lovely that would be! Mothers need support and small breaks for self-care. A healthy, happy mother leads to healthy, happy children, so let’s take care of the mothers in our lives. |
|
Sunny Days And Sand Castles
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| Sunny days and sandcastles—my son and I created countless cherished memories together on beautiful beaches in Asia. Being present with my child as he focused on building sandcastles taught me the importance of mindfulness, allowing us to savour the simple pleasures and truly appreciate our moments of togetherness. |
|
Blowing Bubbles
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| Bubble blowing is a cherished part of my early memories of motherhood. Wherever my son and I went, I always had a bubble solution in my bag. It's one of the most affordable ways to have fun together. Depending on how you engage in play, it can also serve as a learning activity at various stages of your child's development. You can turn it into a counting game or a body awareness exercise by instructing which part of the body to use to pop the bubbles (finger, elbow, hand, foot, etc.). Additionally, bubble blowing is a wonderful bonding activity that allows parents and children to be fully present with each other, creating precious shared moments. |
|
Four Hands And A Toy Car
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
| Before I had my son, I could play the piano uninterrupted. However, once he arrived, I learned valuable lessons in patience and acceptance of how life had changed. Sometimes he would join me at the piano, playing with his toy car. This piece, titled Four Hands and a Toy Car, captures how children remind us that life is different now, and we must always keep them in mind and at heart. Even if you can afford to delegate childcare, not everything should be handed off—wouldn’t you miss out on the fun? Embracing playful moments with your child creates lasting memories that are truly irreplaceable. |
|
Dreams In Flight
8“ x 10” Metal Print
|
|
This piece began with the fabric on the kite to the right, symbolizing how children's hopes and dreams shape their world. As parents, we must provide them with the space to discover themselves and soar with their unique colors, patterns, and designs, ultimately shaping their own futures.
As Kahlil Gibran beautifully expresses: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. …You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” Thus, our goal as parents is to slowly set our children free, allowing them to find their life's purpose—a journey that is theirs to define, not ours to dictate. |