Ibitayo (Birth brings joy)

Artwork story

The influence of my mother on my journey is immeasurable. This work created using acrylic, satin and ink on paper is not only an expression of her impact on my life, but also a memorial and a gesture of gratitude for the woman she has been and continues to be. Her multidimensional roles as a mother, wife, priest, and caregiver extend far beyond what words can fully describe. As her name, ibítáyọ̀, suggests, “birth brings joy” - her presence has been a profound source of joy, strength, and grace within our family and in my life as her first child.

Through this work, I reflect on the gift of her presence and the countless ways her life has shaped mine. It is both a tribute to her influence and an acknowledgment of the love, sacrifice, and nurturing that have contributed to the person I am becoming.