Born and raised on the Canadian Prairies to a Ukrainian immigrant family, artist William Kurelek explored a wide range of themes throughout his career, including the lives of newcomers and Indigenous peoples in Canada. He was among the first artists to depict a personal vision of Canadian multiculturalism.

Kurelek's technique was distinctive: he created his works using ballpoint pens and colored pencils, then enhanced the surface by rubbing and scratching it to achieve texture and depth. In addition to being a visual artist, he was also a prolific author and illustrator of children’s books, often focusing on youth growing up in the Prairies.

From 1964 onward, Kurelek began to more consciously explore his cultural heritage. This period marked the beginning of a series of works reflecting cultural identity—an homage to the pioneering life of immigrants. Through scenes of Western Canadian farm life, he portrayed the daily struggles and resilience of mothers and their families, drawing a parallel between past and present experiences.