Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wedding at Cana I
Acrylic on circular canvas
12 x 12 inches
This artwork depicts a particular room and its furnishings in Dublin Castle. The Virgin Mary whispers to Christ, who wears a red robe, that the wine has run out. Mary’s opaque white skin and robes are based on descriptions of her Apparition at Knock in Ireland in 1879. One of the ceremony’s servants, a contemporary priest, brings the new, miraculous wine to the praying couple. The miracle at Cana foreshadows of the miracle of the Eucharist, which beautifully intertwines the communion of Marriage and the communion of the Eucharist.
(*special thanks to my friends Pat and Paula Reynolds for modeling for this painting)
Wedding at Cana II
Acrylic on oval canvas
24 x 18 in.
(*please see text accompanying "Wedding at Cana I)
(*please see text accompanying "Wedding at Cana I)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Unbinding Lazarus III
Acrylic on canvas
7 x 9 in.
2008
These three paintings titled "Unbinding Lazarus" are based on the preceding black and white "Lazarus" series and they portray another allegorical interpretation of the unbinding of Lazarus. Mary and Martha are depicted as two small, elderly nuns praying for their younger brother. Christ watches over the scene, gesturing for silence and peace. A woman, perhaps a personification of healing grace, unbinds Lazarus in a dark pool. This pool is a symbol for the tomb, and is also a reference to the origins of the name Dublin, “Dubh Linn,” or “dark pool.” A large dark lake was once located in this part of Dublin.
(*please see the text accompanying the black and white "Lazarus" paintings in the next posts, for more information on the symbolism and historical information related to these three pieces)
These three paintings titled "Unbinding Lazarus" are based on the preceding black and white "Lazarus" series and they portray another allegorical interpretation of the unbinding of Lazarus. Mary and Martha are depicted as two small, elderly nuns praying for their younger brother. Christ watches over the scene, gesturing for silence and peace. A woman, perhaps a personification of healing grace, unbinds Lazarus in a dark pool. This pool is a symbol for the tomb, and is also a reference to the origins of the name Dublin, “Dubh Linn,” or “dark pool.” A large dark lake was once located in this part of Dublin.
(*please see the text accompanying the black and white "Lazarus" paintings in the next posts, for more information on the symbolism and historical information related to these three pieces)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Lazarus' Burial
6 x 6 inches
Acrylic on canvas
2007
These six pieces that portray the Raising of Lazarus depict a historical site in Dublin, Ireland, called Dublin Castle. This building and its neighboring gardens are located in downtown Dublin and feature an unusual blend of medieval and modern architecture. In this scene, Mary and Martha bind their brother’s body to prepare it for the tomb, and the monotone, black and white color scheme creates a solemn mood.
(*please see the text accompanying the following "Unbinding Lazarus" series for more information on the symbolism and historical settings of these pieces)
These six pieces that portray the Raising of Lazarus depict a historical site in Dublin, Ireland, called Dublin Castle. This building and its neighboring gardens are located in downtown Dublin and feature an unusual blend of medieval and modern architecture. In this scene, Mary and Martha bind their brother’s body to prepare it for the tomb, and the monotone, black and white color scheme creates a solemn mood.
(*please see the text accompanying the following "Unbinding Lazarus" series for more information on the symbolism and historical settings of these pieces)
Waking Lazarus
Acrylic on canvas
7 x 9 inches
2007
This underground setting is based on the medieval foundations of Dublin Castle. Part of the current metal walkway is visible at the top. Lazarus’ wrapped form appears to blend into his surroundings in the dim light. A tiny white bird, perhaps representing an angel or the Holy Spirit, is perched on the smooth stones. It watches as two other little birds begin to pull at Lazarus’ shroud. These birds are not described in the Bible narrative; they serve as a symbolic interpretation of how Lazarus’ bonds were first loosened.
This underground setting is based on the medieval foundations of Dublin Castle. Part of the current metal walkway is visible at the top. Lazarus’ wrapped form appears to blend into his surroundings in the dim light. A tiny white bird, perhaps representing an angel or the Holy Spirit, is perched on the smooth stones. It watches as two other little birds begin to pull at Lazarus’ shroud. These birds are not described in the Bible narrative; they serve as a symbolic interpretation of how Lazarus’ bonds were first loosened.
Lazarus' Choice
Acrylic on canvas
6 x 6 inches
2007
In this scene, Christ emerges from Dublin Castle as a giant, bent form, to remind the viewer of his later, conquered suffering. Mary and Martha unbind their healed brother, and Christ gently offers Lazarus a strange white plant in the shape of a cross. This cross is another symbol not described in the Bible narrative – it is a small reminder of the personal choice to bear one’s cross and the fruits of that experience.
In this scene, Christ emerges from Dublin Castle as a giant, bent form, to remind the viewer of his later, conquered suffering. Mary and Martha unbind their healed brother, and Christ gently offers Lazarus a strange white plant in the shape of a cross. This cross is another symbol not described in the Bible narrative – it is a small reminder of the personal choice to bear one’s cross and the fruits of that experience.
Irish Cherub
Marker, glitter pen on paper
9 x 11 inches
2007
This subject is based on a hallmark picture of an Irish angel. Her exaggeratedly small hands, large face and other features are inspired by the style of early Christian icons. The materials -- bright markers and glitter pens – are inspired by Mexican religious folk art. Her bewildered expression evokes gentle humor and sympathy. The dizzying array of colorful marks also creates a sense of festivity.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
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