'Joseph’s Gaze'

Student Reflection

The inspiration for my artwork was the scripture passage ‘The birth of Christ’ (Matthew 1:18-25). My artwork consists of mixed media with the use of gouache paint to show opaqueness and watercolour pencils blended on Fabriano paper to show depth and texture within the piece. I chose to use an eye as the main focus for my artwork to depict Joseph, who represents us, looking into the heart and mind of Mary as “the eye is a window to the soul.” 

In my piece Mary is the centre of attention as she is Joseph’s whole world and his devoted love for her is clear. The shades of blue throughout my artwork depicts the loyalty and calmness of Mary, whilst it shows craftsmanship and peace for Joseph. At the time of Jesus’ birth, stars filled the sky just like the stars and constellations within my artwork. The corners remain dark whilst the middle is bright and lit up because Jesus is the light in our world. This links back to my own life because my parents would have looked down at me like Mary and Joseph did with their newborn son, a truly special moment for them both.