New portrait series shines a light on the emotional realities of becoming a mother
A PEMBROKESHIRE-BASED artist is set to open a new exhibition exploring the emotional realities of motherhood.
Portrait and figurative artist Ella Starling will present Raising Her Voice: A Collective Portrait of Motherhood, a new body of work examining the transition into motherhood through collaboration with local mothers.
The exhibition opens on Mother’s Day, March 15, at Oriel y Parc and will run until March 30.
Working primarily in oils and charcoal, Starling’s portraits aim to capture the complex emotional landscape of motherhood. The project was developed through in-depth interviews with three mothers from across Pembrokeshire, alongside discussions in Mothers’ Circles and the artist’s own lived experience.
The works explore the concept of matrescence – the profound psychological and emotional shift many women experience when becoming mothers.
Starling said she hopes the exhibition will challenge simplified portrayals of motherhood often seen in visual culture.
“I want to create honest, personal representations of motherhood that challenge the often oversimplified and limiting narratives we see,” she said.
One of the portraits was inspired by a powerful image shared during the research process, describing a mother standing in a dark cave and looking down at her broken body – reflecting both the strength and vulnerability that can accompany childbirth and early motherhood.
Developed over six months, the project was funded by Arts Council of Wales and supported by the National Lottery.
Starling said the work also highlights the importance of community support for mothers and maternal wellbeing.
“If maternal wellbeing support is not embedded within our communities, we will continue to see mothers struggle in silence,” she said.
Starling, a drawing graduate of Falmouth University, is based in Pembrokeshire and also teaches life drawing classes in St Davids.
The exhibition will open with a launch event on March 15 from 2pm to 4.30pm at Oriel y Parc.
