The Cosmic Mother

Happy Mother's Day

Those of you who have known me for awhile may remember I was on a painting retreat in Maui in February. It was so utterly relaxing and magical, but on return, my lifestyle sped up again, so I am only now circling back around to share about my painting. Mother’s Day is the perfect day to remember this to myself… and hopefully, for you too.

(If you are interested in this week-long painting retreat in Maui, let me know. Right now, there are some spots available in November and February.)

It’s hard to tell in the picture, but she’s got lots of crystal bling adorning her presence. I wanted to bring back something I felt in that magical place, and it’s true, I look at her and my heart-rate goes down. I mean, isn’t creating a portal what all artists strive to do? Isn’t a portal what all artwork aims to be?

White Tara. Acrylic embellished with crystals on 20x20” canvas, 2026 (Contact to purchase/order print.)

White Tara is one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, understood as a manifestation of the Buddha’s compassion in maternal form. She originated as a human princess who, after lifetimes of devoted practice, refused to be reborn in male form as the monks around her urged, vowing instead to attain enlightenment as a woman and to continue returning in female form until all sentient beings are liberated from suffering. This vow is what makes her a bodhisattva: one who delays full enlightenment out of compassion for others, choosing to remain available to those who suffer.

She is also called Tara Ma, meaning mother — for she mothers all beings, caring for, guiding, and protecting sentient beings the way a mother cares for her children. Her white color symbolizes purity and truth, and her seven eyes — located in her forehead, palms, and the soles of her feet — represent her ability to perceive the suffering of all beings in every direction. She is considered a protector, particularly associated with longevity and the removal of obstacles. On this Mother’s Day, White Tara offers a profound image of the sacred feminine — compassion made active, suffering transformed into grace.

Honestly, I haven’t been a big fan of Mother’s Day for various reasons, but this year is different. My daughter gave me this sweet handmade card that made my day. I have made many mistakes as a mom, but I definitely got my game up the last several years. I’m more proud of that than most things I’ve done. That’s why I’m going to share her words as well as artwork. So very special!

It’s Maddy, our cat! Looks just like her. And the roses are had drawn too.

I love this family portrait. The gang’s all there. For Justine, Daddy is a yellow butterfly. (We saw one in the garden this morning too!)

With love and gratitude to the Great Mother and to all the mothers who gave us life,

Allison