Mother and child arrive to the campsite

In this painting, I explore the delicate, complex nature of motherhood through the metaphor of the leopard shark. While these sharks don’t care for their young after they are hatched, they instinctively lay their eggs in safe, protected places. I wanted to expand on this concept hypothetically, imagining the “mother shark” showing the next generation where to lay their eggs—guiding them, not with direct care, but with an innate wisdom that ensures their safety in the long run. The piece reflects the quiet strength of maternal instincts that may not always be overtly nurturing but are still deeply protective. The scene hints at a legacy of wisdom passed down, a subtle but powerful reminder of the importance of preparing the next generation for survival, even from a distance.

Langridge Oil paint, Oleogel 

May 2025

76cm x 76cm