One of my most treasured creations ever, as an artist in Malta, is a customised painting of the Holy Mary, cradling the infant Jesus Christ in her arms.
As we approach the 15th of August, the most memorable of holy days within the annual Liturgic Calendar, I had the opportunity to reminisce about the painstaking efforts I had undertaken in creating this depiction.
It was sold recently to a very happy customer, but the memories of this icon remain with me till this day.
When seeking out to finish this task, I wanted to incorporate two contrasting elements. On one hand, I wanted to praise the solemn and reverent nature of this project. It is, above all, a depiction of one of the most recognisable protagonists of all of Christendom: a name synonymous with many feasts, churches and traditions in Maltese and global culture.
On the other hand, I believe that such depictions do not need to lack character or vibrance. By depicting the Holy Mother in full glory, the painting immediately sticks out to anyone nearby.
It’s for this reason that, along with very vivid colours, I experimented with the use of a 22 carat gold leaf. I’m proud of how this decision made this religious depiction all the more vivid.
Religious iconography can be both a daunting challenge, and a source of creative and artistic inspiration. It’s a tight balancing act, as the awe-inspiring nature of such a painting must complement the artist’s creativity – not run roughshod, or be downgraded to it.
My previous experience in similar iconography helped me fulfil this project. And yet, this has remained on of my all-time favourites. Hopefully, it will remain such for the rest of my career!
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Contact me at +356 79729227 or [email protected] to schedule your visit. Discover more of my artworks at www.artofilina.com and https://www.artfinder.com/artist/artofilina/me-at-work/#.
