The Universal Principle of a Mother’s Love

The Universal Principle of a Mother’s Love by Parris Stancell is a work rich with symbolism of motherhood, maternal care and family. Sponsored by the Maternity Care Coalition, its overall theme centers around the hopes and dreams of a mother’s love. The central figure of a mother holding a house represents her wishes for her children. The image of upright and upside-down houses represent a chaotic neighborhood. The blocks represent education. Bumblebees flying around the mother figure indicate fertility and the idea of love and abundance. In the upper-left side of the mural, a fertility maji holding an egg represents fertility. In the upper-right is a father figure with basket of fish. To indicate he does not take full responsibility for his family, he is depicted as smaller than the mother figure. The tree of life in the lower left corner represents family and the fish indicate sustenance. The hearts with AIDS ribbons at each corner of the mural are placed to encourage a healthy birth.