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Original artwork description:

This artwork is a deeply symbolic reflection on parenthood, protection, and unconditional love — a visual meditation on the invisible bond that connects parents and their child throughout an entire lifetime.

The composition depicts two hands gently joined together — the hands of a father and a mother — forming a protective cradle. Upon them sits a naked young woman. Every element of the artwork is intentionally charged with meaning.

The hands are positioned in a gesture traditionally associated with prayer and blessing in church rituals. This pose symbolizes a parent’s eternal wish for their child’s well-being — a silent plea for protection, guidance, and divine blessing throughout life’s journey.

The father’s hand is placed lowest, supporting both the mother’s hand and the child. This placement reflects the traditional role of the father as the foundation of the family — the one who bears responsibility, offers stability, and protects those he loves.

The figure seated upon the hands is not a small child, but an adult woman. This choice is essential: no matter how old we become, in the eyes of our parents we remain their children. Time may change our bodies, but it never alters the way parents see and hold us — with the same tenderness and concern as on the very first day.

The woman is depicted without clothing, symbolizing the way we come into this world — pure, vulnerable, and unguarded. Nudity here is not physical exposure, but a metaphor for innocence and sincerity. For parents, their child remains pure and precious, regardless of age, experience, or mistakes.

This artwork is a tribute to all parents. A quiet expression of gratitude for their labor, devotion, sleepless nights, sacrifices, and unconditional love. Raising a child is one of life’s greatest and most demanding responsibilities — and this piece honors that sacred role.

Materials used:

charcoal, graphite pencils, varnish

Tags:
#drawing #charcoal #child #surrealism #parents 

“We Are Children While Our Parents Live” (2026) Charcoal drawing
by Kateryna Kostyk

£1,948.5 

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Original artwork description
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This artwork is a deeply symbolic reflection on parenthood, protection, and unconditional love — a visual meditation on the invisible bond that connects parents and their child throughout an entire lifetime.

The composition depicts two hands gently joined together — the hands of a father and a mother — forming a protective cradle. Upon them sits a naked young woman. Every element of the artwork is intentionally charged with meaning.

The hands are positioned in a gesture traditionally associated with prayer and blessing in church rituals. This pose symbolizes a parent’s eternal wish for their child’s well-being — a silent plea for protection, guidance, and divine blessing throughout life’s journey.

The father’s hand is placed lowest, supporting both the mother’s hand and the child. This placement reflects the traditional role of the father as the foundation of the family — the one who bears responsibility, offers stability, and protects those he loves.

The figure seated upon the hands is not a small child, but an adult woman. This choice is essential: no matter how old we become, in the eyes of our parents we remain their children. Time may change our bodies, but it never alters the way parents see and hold us — with the same tenderness and concern as on the very first day.

The woman is depicted without clothing, symbolizing the way we come into this world — pure, vulnerable, and unguarded. Nudity here is not physical exposure, but a metaphor for innocence and sincerity. For parents, their child remains pure and precious, regardless of age, experience, or mistakes.

This artwork is a tribute to all parents. A quiet expression of gratitude for their labor, devotion, sleepless nights, sacrifices, and unconditional love. Raising a child is one of life’s greatest and most demanding responsibilities — and this piece honors that sacred role.

Materials used:

charcoal, graphite pencils, varnish

Tags:
#drawing #charcoal #child #surrealism #parents 
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Kateryna Kostyk

Location Ukraine

About
My practice is rooted in traditional drawing, working primarily with graphite and charcoal. I am drawn to the simplicity of black and white, which allows me to focus entirely on... Read more

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