MOMMY COOL:
A Conversation with Mom & Artist, Tiffany Leblanc
With Mother’s Day coming up, we sat down with mom and artist, Tiffany Leblanc, to discuss painting, motherhood and how she manages to blend and balance the two.
When did you start painting? What made you decide to take it up full-time?
I started painting around 17, but as a child, I would draw almost every day. It was only during the COVID-19 lockdown that I was able to fully dedicate myself to painting. I experienced unexpected success almost right away, selling 11 out of the 12 pieces I had completed in my first year. I paused my artistic practice during my pregnancy and picked it up again after the birth of my son. I've returned to painting full-time since January, and I'm not planning on stopping anytime soon.
Your work often features hands. Why is that?
Hands are one the most expressive parts of the body. Through my theatre and modelling experience, I learned how much emotion and intention can be conveyed through them. In my work, hands speak their own language: expressions of power, vulnerability and grace. They become the messengers when words fall short.
“Hands are one the most expressive parts of the body.”
What's been inspiring your work lately?
Since picking up my brushes, I've been inspired by the balance of strength and softness I’ve found within myself. Each of my pieces reveals a woman who is graceful, poised and seemingly vulnerable yet undeniably powerful — a reflection of this duality.
“Each of my pieces reveals a woman who is graceful, poised and seemingly vulnerable yet undeniably powerful.”
How do you balance work and motherhood?
It’s a daily dance. Some days feel seamless, others more chaotic, but I've learned to embrace both. I no longer chase the “perfect balance”. Instead, I focus on being present. When I'm with my son, I give my all. When I'm in my studio, I fully surrender to my creative world. Motherhood has made me more intentional with my time and more grounded in my purpose. It's not always easy, but it's deeply rewarding. And I remind myself often: it's okay not to do it all at once. What matters is doing it with love.
“it's okay not to do it all at once. What matters is doing it with love.”
What's the thing that's surprised you the most about becoming a parent?
How strong I truly am. Motherhood is the most beautiful gift, but it’s also one of the most challenging journeys. Each new phase comes with its own set of adjustments, but I choose to focus only on the positives. Time passes so quickly that I don't want to waste a second dwelling on negativity. Becoming a mother also helped me find myself as an artist. It clarified my style, my message and gave me the confidence to no longer seek external approval. My art is now a true extension of who I am — something that’ll continue to live on, even after I'm gone.
“Becoming a mother also helped me find myself as an artist.”
Describe your ideal Sunday.
My ideal Sunday is simple but full of love. Weekends are sacred to me. They’re dedicated entirely to my son and my partner. I disconnect from everything else and just focus on being with them. Whether it's going to the park, grabbing ice cream or staying in while it rains outside, it doesn't matter what we're doing, those are the moments that mean the most.