“Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train” – A Vitrine Installation at Wychwood Barns
I’m thrilled to share my latest project from the Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train series, now on view through September inside Barn 2 at Artscape Wychwood Barns in Toronto.
This intimate vitrine installation brings together a hand-crafted scarf, vintage toy trains, and original artworks to explore the emotional terrain of early motherhood—identity, exhaustion, love, and the often-invisible labor that sustains daily life.
The scarf, textured and thoughtful, carries threads of warmth, unraveling, and quiet endurance. The toy trains, small but persistent, echo the non-stop rhythm of life with a child. Together—with artwork rolling across paper by toy train as paintbrush—they create a metaphorical pause in the speed of daily life.
Links to Explore the Art Series:
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Discover the painting series: Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train by Rachael Grad — abstract works using toy trains as expressive tools, transforming chaos into colour and form.
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Check out the art scarf: Art Scarf – Square, Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train — a beautifully draped silk scarf printed with the artwork; designed, printed, sewn, and shipped entirely in Canada.
By using a vitrine, usually reserved for precious or archival objects, I aim to elevate everyday caregiving experiences—offering viewers a moment to pause and reflect.
Visit the Toronto Art Installation in Person
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On view through September
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Location: Barn 2, Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street, Toronto
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Hours: Visible inside the building during regular hours
If you're in the area, I’d love for you to stop by, slow down for a moment, and connect with the work. Whether you're a parent, an artist, or someone who feels the relentless pace of life—this piece may echo something you carry.
Shop the "Motherhood Hit Me Like a Train" art series"