Brooke Ochs
Nativity Shadow Puppets
Birch plywood
 
Statement:
 
Some of my most cherished memories of Christmases from my childhood happened on Christmas Eve when the world was dark and the people in my life were adding a little bit of light back into the night. From my town’s tradition of Luminaries to Christmas dinner by candlelight, so many tender moments center around lights in the darkness on Christmas. Perhaps the most beloved of all memories, though, are of when my sisters and I would change into our new flannel nightgowns and curl up in the darkened living room. The glittering tree and the wood fire in the hearth made us feel cozy and warm and safe. We gathered around as my dad read the Christmas story from the New Testament to us — cocooned by the soft glow and the sweetness of family time. I wanted to create something to capture the gentle beauty of the Christmas Eves of my childhood. I knew light and dark should play a role as they were so important to the wonder of these memories. And light is a metaphor for hope — Christmas is, above all, a source of hope as we all seek to make our way through the darkness of this mortal world. By creating these shadow puppets, I invite you to share with me a brief moment of light and joy. I hope you and your people are able to feel enveloped in the love of the Savior and the joy and hope of the Christmas story. I believe these puppets can help you create your own holy night with the people you love.