'Mary's "Yes!"'

Student Reflection

I was inspired by the passage, ‘The Annunciation,’ (Luke 1:26-38). I wanted to portray Mary and show that the Annunciation was a significant part of her life. 

I used acrylics, oil pastels and quilled paper arranged onto a canvas. I wanted to convey Mary’s "Yes" to God and her humble acknowledgement of the significant message sent to her through the angel Gabriel. I have shown Mary’s pose of acceptance and displayed the halo overlooking her, signifying that she was in the presence of God. 

A new technique that I have learnt is quilling, which involves the rolling and shaping of strips of paper. I saw the gentle elegance within the curled up paper and the feelings of joy and serenity that it brought to my art. The coloured quilled flowers represent new life and happiness. The quilled spirals surrounding Mary signify the colours of the Annunciation with the tender blue swirls representing Mary’s presence and the yellow representing the angel, Gabriel. 

I wanted to incorporate the quote from the Bible: “I am the handmaid of the Lord,” as this phrase is where we perceive Mary’s deep and humble acceptance and honour to have been chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus.