'The First Sight of Love'

Student Reflection

My artwork is inspired by ‘The Birth of Jesus,’ and, ‘the Visit of the Magi,’ (Matthew 1:18-25, 2:9-12). I wanted the viewer to experience being one of the Magi who first gazed upon the loving embrace between Mary, Joseph and the baby, who are feeling relieved that he is safe and well. A word that I reflected on when reading this passage was ‘family,’ because I visualised the Magi witnessing the tender moment between Mary and Joseph’s small family.

I personally connected with this passage because I’ve experienced the endless love my family gives me and know that I am special to them. I also feel a similar sense of calm that Mary and Joseph are sharing within the moment I have depicted in my artwork because of the birth of my baby sister, who I love very much.

For my artwork I used watercolour pencils to reflect the gentle moment the Magi shared with the Baby Jesus and his family. The techniques I used were blending, shading for the smooth textures of their skin and rougher textures for their clothing and the wood of the stable.