Mothers can give birth not just to living, breathing things but also to inanimate, unbreathing creations through their creative minds. This is evident through the contemporary art of Crissa Lingat, a 33-year-old mother and punch needle artist from Bacolor, Pampanga. For her, art is an extension of her being a mother; it can reveal the reality of life to its artist, as it did to her.

“Siguro kasi bilang nanay na ako ngayon, mas naintindihan ko na kung gaano kalaki o kabigat ang mga responsibilidad na meron ang mga nanay o babae. Mas nakikita ko na ang ganda ng bawat babae [ay] hindi sa kulay ng balat o base [sa] kung paano sila mag-ayos pero sa mga sakripisyo na ginagawa nila,” she says, when asked about the themes of her art pieces.

[Perhaps it’s because I’m a mother now that I fully understand how heavy the burden is for mothers or women. I’m now seeing them in a different light; their beauty is not defined by their color or appearance but by the sacrifices they have made.]

There was a time in the 1830s when floor coverings and manufactured carpets were popularized in France; the symbol of luxury within the wealthier households in the United States. For homemakers in rural America, possessing these rugs is a far-fetched dream; thus, women of the time in these locations began to develop an ingenious method of creating their own for their humble homes—marking the beginning of punch needle rug hooking.

A form of embroidery, punch needle requires a large needle to “punch” loops of thick yarn into the fabric and create a looped textile. Like Crissa, modern artists began to experiment with this art form. From cozy rugs to wall art pieces, this embroidery technique pays homage to women homemakers who left a legacy through the exquisite works of their hands.

It’s no wonder Crissa, a mother of two, found her way to punch needle art. Her love for the craft began when she saw her sister and crocheter Karen Almario trying punch needle art in September 2023. Out of curiosity, she took a chance to try and create her own without any experience in the medium.

But this is not the first time Crissa was drawn to art. When she was in grade school, she often got fascinated by the artistic kids in her class; they compelled her to be creative, and unlike other kids who were into physical activities, it’s natural that she leaned towards the arts.

A self-taught artist, Crissa looks up to textile artist Pi Williams, famous for her expressive, vivid, and distinct art pieces, for inspiration but, her number one supporter is none other than her husband Mark Anthony Lingat, a visual artist known for his Van Gogh-inspired impastos of the wonders of the Philippines.

“My husband, who is also an artist, is the one who pushes me to pursue punch needle art. I consider him my mentor,” she says. Aside from mentoring her, Mark creates the frames for her artwork.

Crissa’s art pieces are vibrant, colorful, and modern, often featuring women—if not nature—which reflects her experiences as a mother. Like with her kids, she works on her artwork with immense care and patience, treating punch needle art as a breather and creative outlet when the responsibilities are starting to weigh her down.

“Nage-enjoy kasi ako sa punch needle. Siguro any kind of art kasi will help to reduce stress. As a full time mom na madalas ma-overwhelm o ma-burn out, nakakatulong ang paggawa ng artwork para kahit papaano magkaroon ng balanse. Masasabi ko na may nagagawa ako para sa sarili ko,” she says.

[I enjoy punch needle; any art form will probably help reduce stress. As a full-time mom who frequently gets overwhelmed or burned out, art helps me to have balance. I can say that there’s something I can do for myself.]

But at the end of the day, family always comes first for Crissa. Art might have been her first love but family will forever be her one and only.

“Sa ngayon kahit na nage-enjoy ako sa punch needle mas inuuna ko talaga ang mga anak ko at ang asawa ko. Kaya din ang tagal bago ako makatapos ng isang artwork kasi ginagawa ko lang siya kapag tapos na ako sa lahat ng trabaho dito sa bahay.”

[Even though I enjoy punch needle right now, I always prioritize my husband and children. That’s why it takes me a long time to finish an artwork because I only work on it after I’m done with my responsibilities at home.]

Balance is necessary, says Crissa, so a mother can fulfill her role at home and pursue what she loves. “Kaya naman na kahit nanay na at ang daming responsibilities araw-araw, magagawa mo pa rin ang mga bagay na gusto mo basta alam mo lang kung ano talaga ang mga priorities mo. They can try punch needle art too. Sabi ko nga hindi ito mahirap gawin kaya pwedeng-pwede sa mga katulad kong nanay.”

[Even though you’re a mother with many daily responsibilities, you can still do the things you want as long as you know your priorities. They can try punch needle art too. As I’ve said, it’s not hard to do so mothers like me can try it.]

Like her art pieces, motherhood is a radiant and precious part of Crissa’s life. Her creations contribute to the enduring legacy of rural women and the shift that is taking place in the Filipino modern art scene; a testament that mothers can be so much more and reach many generations even while remaining within the four corners of their simple dwellings.

Crissa is known for her artworks “Prima Arte” (2023), “Splendida Donna” (2023), “Elegance” (2024), and “Tangled Harmony” (2024). As a self-taught artist who turned to tutorial videos for help, Crissa wishes to conduct an art workshop in the future to pass on her knowledge of punch needle art to aspiring artists.

Photo courtesy of Crissa Lingat