Never Before Seen

I’m so excited! I have been working on this new piece for a very, very long time. Finally, it is ready for me to show you.

This piece is titled Mother Mary: Seeking Words of Wisdom — a nod to the Beatles’ song Let It Be that has drifted through my head on a loop for weeks.

Mother Mary: Seeking Words of Wisdom

Acrylic on wood

24” by 24”

A bit about the symbolism: Mary is depicted as a historically accurate woman; she is based on a model of Middle Eastern origin. Additionally, Mary is wearing red which, according to my research, is more historically accurate than traditional blue. Mary’s dress has delicate Palestinian embroidery.

Surrounding Mary are various plants that, (again) according to my research, would have grown native where Mary lived. Figs, almond blossoms, grapes, dates, and pomegranates would likely have been a part of Mary’s diet.

Artist Statement:

Mary, while seen by many Christians as a saint to whom one may pray, was still a mortal woman probably terrified and overwhelmed at the task of raising the Son of God. I imagine that Mary shared with every other parent across space and time the fear and responsibility of being a Good Parent. I wanted to depict Mary as not only historically accurate, but also as a young woman who sought God’s help constantly… a young woman with doubts and insecurities.

Did Mary ever question or falter in her resolve to fulfill that which she was asked to do? I often do, and I like to believe that even the Mother of God felt some of the insecurities that I feel daily. Somehow she raised Jesus with love and faith and supported Him as he grew to be all that He was sent to be. Perhaps, then, somehow I can raise my children with the love and faith they need to grow into the people they are meant to be.