Mary Catherine Caldwell
The artist comments on the artwork featured in the July Conversations newsletter, with larger versions of each work.
Mary Catherine Caldwell (’07) created these works of art as part of her final project for the Academy.
Click on each image to view a larger version in a new browser window.
Images copyright © 2007 Mary Catherine Caldwell. Used by permission.
The Image of God
1.5'x 2' canvas
Digital Photography, Acrylic, Vellum
It seems that in the past year much in my life has radically changed and I have found myself clinging tightly to the powerful words of scripture that remind me of who I am. In Genesis we are told that we have been created in the image of God and countless other times in the scriptures we are reminded of this truth again and again. One of my favorite passages is included in Paul’s letters to the Colossians. He urges them to ‘put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of it’s creator.’
Learning to let go of one’s old self is not always easy and it was many nights of prayer and pouring out of my spirit that lead me to chose this topic for this piece of work. I have spent many times doubting and searching for the image of God in myself as I have struggled to understand the woman God has created me to become. In addition to this journey, I have experienced a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort from a previous knee injury. Because of this injury I have been forced to let others in the community take care of me and cover work shifts for me. Never before in my life can I remember being at such mercy of others.
Through this process of self-reflection and growth I feel that learning how to accept love has been a profound and challenging truth for me to learn. As a person who loves to serve, it has been incredibly humbling and truly life changing to let go and learn how to accept love and service from my peers. With nothing to repay my fellow housemates but prayers and thanksgiving, I found myself many times at the mercy of their kindness to alleviate my work load as my knee needed to heal. I have found myself face to face with a glorious picture of Christ’s selfless love for me. It has been a daily reminder of my own humanity and of his dear sacrifice. Thus it is truly in the actions of these eleven others that I can attest to the reality of his love. This piece of work was done to acknowledge and to honor each of them for bearing faithful image bearers of him unto me.
After spending a few days photographing all eleven fellows, I chose the shots that best captured each individual’s personality. I have included several quotations from various locations that best depict what this work represents. As gold is meant to signify something precious, touches of it are seen throughout the canvas. Black and white photographs were chosen, because they not only encourage the viewer to examine each face more closely due to the monotonous tone, but they also allowed me the opportunity to use slight gold highlights on each face. I interwove a golden thread throughout the entire work as a means of again reiterating that we are precious and holy, made in the image of God.
ii.
‘Love Left a Window in the Sky’
1'x1' canvas box
Mixed media
The inspiration behind this piece came from an original idea of creating three paintings for the different persons of the Trinity. I had intended to do three works that could be displayed alone but then also be joined together to render a unified work that represented the Holy Trinity. This vision did not come to fruition; however I did begin this piece with a focus on the Holy Spirit and his role in showering us daily with grace. I also was inspired by U2’s latest song, “Love left a window in the sky,” which speaks a beautiful image to me of the way Christ was able to carve out a window for the Holy Spirit to reach us through.
Working with various forms of paper, I was able to create a layered and twisted effect as though one is looking up into layers of clouds. Feathers were used to incorporate the free flowing movement of the spirit in our lives. There are also hidden touches of gold which point to the holiness and to the costly sacrifice of God in order for us to receive the precious gift of his Spirit.
The first words that come to mind when viewing this piece are dwelling and grace-filled. The Hebrew word cheen directly implies something that is poured over, or that is reaching out. This piece was done to represent the reaching out from the spirit to dwell in our lives and to fill us with wisdom and grace. I ask as you view this piece to spend a moment asking what words, thoughts, or scriptures come to mind and why? Allow the Holy Spirit the time and space to pour forth and to dwell and move freely within your being.
iii.
Jesus I My Cross Have Taken
1'x1' canvas box
Mixed media
This piece was also originally conceived to be included in the trinity series and its foundation lies in the person of Christ. It is entitled Jesus I My Cross Have Taken, which is taken from the title of my favorite hymn. The words of this hymn have become an anthem for me these past few months and I am continually learning from them.
This work depicts three abstract crosses and the foremost ones represent Christ carrying his cross and at the same time helping also to carry ours. The cross in the upper right hand of the composition is meant to also embody the cross of Christ. It is above us because just as we are daily called to deny ourselves, we are also called to set our gaze upon him alone. “O while Thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might. Foes may hate and friends disown me, show Thy face and all is bright.”
I used wood stains as the main medium in this piece to enhance the image of the raw exposed beams that made up the cross Christ had to carry. The color composition was chosen as well to echo that the way of discipleship is often times full of darkness as well as light. “Life with trials hard may press me; Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.” There is a slight hint of green on the right side of the canvas that points to the fresh and vibrant life found in the message of the resurrected Christ. “Soul, then know thy full salvation. Rise o’er sin and fear and care. Joy to find in every station. Something still to do or bear.” A strong beam of white light is reflected from the outcome of resting our cross on his cross as we become unified and continue to trust his hand to daily be our guide. “Hope shall change to glad fruition, faith to sight, and prayer to praise.”
iv.
From his Eyes
1.5'x2' canvas
Acrylic
This painting is meant to capture the point in time when the curtain was torn, the dead were raised, the earth shook, and the sky turned black. While depicting the moment on the cross after Christ drew his last breath, the message of this painting is continually a hard one to deal with. Arranging the cross to dominate the canvas, the viewer is forced to come to terms with its overpowering message. The inspiration for this piece came from a study of Hebrews done this year, in which heavy emphasis and mediation was placed upon the importance of remembering Christ Jesus as our high priest. Sometimes it seems that the reality of the cross is often watered-down when we find ourselves frequently taking for granted that Christ daily is our intermediary and he is the door through which we are able to experience God.
The composition is broken into three levels of interest. The upper level done in blues represents the heavens and the lowest level in greens represents the earth. The vibrant bright white in the middle of these two represents the gap between this world and the next, thus the cross is displayed here. It is shown as our only means of connection unto God. Without the Lord’s body hung there broken for our sins, we would in no way be able to come before him.
This painting presents a message that we are all familiar with, however sometimes we are prone to lose sight of its mystery and power. Stepping back and looking down at this piece gives the viewer a unique way to imagine looking from the perspective of God down upon humanity. Thankfully, he sees us not as we are, but pure and new as when Christ Jesus stands in front of us as our beloved intermediary and savior.
2 Responses • Wed 25 Jul 2007
Common sense is not so common.
Voltaire
