This artist turns the thankless work of motherhood into vibrant art

This episode of Q with Tom Power features a heartfelt conversation with visual artist Paulina Constantia, whose textile art series 'Moments' transforms the often-overlooked, mundane tasks of motherhood into vibrant, celebratory tapestries. Raised in a family where her mother was distant, Constantia made a conscious choice to be fully present with her son during his early years in Singapore, where she was isolated from extended family. This experience inspired her to create a series of colorful, naive-style artworks that honor the quiet, repetitive acts of care—bathing, feeding, playing—that form the foundation of a child’s development. Through her use of scrap fabric, she metaphorically captures the fragmented yet essential nature of these moments, turning them into a visual testament to the emotional and spiritual labor of motherhood. The work also carries a quiet defiance against societal norms that devalue caregiving, especially when performed by mothers, and calls for greater communal support for nurturing roles. Constantia’s art invites viewers to reflect on presence, gratitude, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. She emphasizes that nurturing is not just a biological role but a universal human need, and that everyone—regardless of biological ties—has been shaped by the care of others, from parents to nannies to mentors. Her message is both personal and political: cherish the fleeting moments of connection, advocate for shared responsibility in caregiving, and protect the well-being of those who nurture. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that the most meaningful parts of life are often the smallest and most ordinary.