12 Years of Protection

2021, charcoal on canvas, 150 x 180 cm

This work depicts myself and my 12 year old son Austen. Like most mornings we are having a hug before he heads off to school. As a single mother, looking after his welfare and happiness has been my most important role. We are very close and we have been through a lot together. He is now growing tall, almost as tall as I am and again things are changing. I have learnt so much from him and he has given me strength and courage I never knew I had.