Artist: Brooke Ochs
Title: St. Amelia
Media: Original Gouache Collage
Size: 8 x 10 in.
Artist Statment:
Saint Amelia Renowned for her beauty Pursued by the young man who would later be known as King Charlemagne All she wanted was to be left alone to follow God. According to legend, Amelia cut her hair to try to disguise herself as a man. But the audacity of powerful men was too much. Charlemagne reportedly broke her arm trying to force her to do what he wanted. Don’t worry, he was cursed until he repented. The legend says Amelia escaped on the back of a sturgeon When she died, Amelia’s body was carried off my many sturgeons. Forever haunted by the violence of an audacious man, Amelia became the saint of broken arms and bruises. But due to her connection to the fish that saved her, she is also the saint of fishermen and farmers. I think a lot of women can relate to Amelia’s struggle to live the life she chose despite the expectations of men. I hope we can all feel empowered when we think of her and choose our own path regardless of men who would tear us down or put us on a box or tell us what is and isn’t allowed… especially spiritually. Now more 1400 years later, I hope Amelia sees the way she inspires women to be sovereign over our own destinies and relationship with God. I hope she feels proud of the ways I’ve chosen to own my own spiritual path.