“El Jesús de mi Bisabuelo” (My Great-grandfather’s Jesus)

 

Over the centuries artists have depicted deity in their own image, envisioning a Savior and a God who they connect to. More often than not, the result of that in the European canon of sacred imagery depicts as a result iconography that looks like the people of that geographic area where the art was created. 

As a result, the tradition of these images have traveled with Christianity to other continents, and consequently to the South American continent. Bringing a very white and European Jesus. Not particularly one that my Chilean ancestors would have seen themselves in. 

The Jesus in this painting is a step in that direction, wearing a traditional wool poncho, and Christ depicted as a man with physical features of those who reside there. It is an image that I think my great grandfather would have seen more of his people in that depiction. 

 

“Sofia”

 

This body of work is a reflection of women who believe in Christ. Not only women who surrounded Christ in his ministry in the New Testament, but also those who believed in the prophecies of a Messiah who would come, and modern day women who believe in a Redeemer and Comforter today. A painting of my oldest daughter Sofia Maja. 

 

“Maria Awaiting Emmanuel”

 

Mary as a very young woman was told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the mother of Jesus. Mary stands as a powerful witness through time of her unwavering trust in God in this sacred role to give birth to, raise and eventually witness the death of her son on the cross for the salvation of all of God’s children. 

 

“Maria Magdalena”

 

María Magdalena (Mary Magdalene)  a deeply devout disciple of Christ. She was closely tied to his ministry and is believed to have helped support with financial means as well. She is mentioned many times in the cannons and is recorded to be present at His crucifixion and at the tomb at the time of Christ's resurrection. 

In the design of the frame are found symbols of her relationship to Christ. The symbol of the cross in the frame represents when she, with other women, were with Christ as he was crucified. “The Sacred Heart Of Christ” above her head is yet another symbol of the love of Christ for all mankind, and one of devotion. The lilies hold many meanings, love, a symbol of rebirth, hope, and mortality. 

 

“Meditation on Identity” (a self portrait)

 

In this self portrait I explore aspects of myself. A Chilean-American, daughter, mother, friend, wife, artist, there are so many facets to who we are and where we are for a time in our lives. I reflect who I am and the women- in particular- who came before me. On my father’s side, my grandmother Sheila Elinger, born 100 years ago in England, 1924. She survived WWII as her hometown of Sheffield was bombed repeatedly. She survived her husband who passed away when my father was only 7 years old. I draw strength from her as she continued on in the face of great difficulty in her life. 

On my mother Ana María’s side my abuelita Ana Luisa, born in Santiago, Chile in 1922, was a woman of great faith and optimism. In spite of many hardships she endured, and spread hope and love to her family and those close to her. 

I hold the symbol of the Sacred Heart of Christ over my head to remember that I will never go through this life alone and keep that thought close to me in my heart.