Gail Schellinger – Story TimeAcrylic on Wood PanelI am a 50-year-old female artist,
living and producing art in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. My interest in
spiritual/religious icons inspired me to work on a series of paintings that
reflect ideas and doubts concerning organized religions. In Story Time I attempt to
approach the myth of the Virgin with biblical information married to
contemporary realistic explanation. While the Virgin is routinely
presented visually as a mild and beautiful white woman, we know that chances are
she appeared much differently. I am intrigued, as most of us are, by the idea of
the Immaculate Conception and indeed some biblical scholars have suggested Mary
was raped or the conception was an unacceptable unwed pregnancy. I picture her in Story Time
as a central, dominant figure, which she is. Here she does not appear lovely or
loved. She is alone, as many women are today, with her infant. Her human nature
surrounds her as the serpent. Her vulnerability is the chicken.
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