Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Modern Day Mother in Zion


Ok, here is the finished painting. What I attempted to portray is a modern day mother struggling to keep herself and her children safe in a wicked and dangerous world. We all know the family is under attack as never before and that as parents we get battle scarred and weary with the skirmishes that the world throws at us. This mother has been in a recent battle of some sort. She is grimy, shows fresh wounds and is tired. She remains undaunted however, and leads others onward with the torch she carries, symbolizing Jesus Christ the Light of the World. She wears armor, symbolizing the gospel and carries various weapons symbolizing the Priesthood. She is protective of her children, who look to her for hope, safety and guidance.
I wanted to realistically depict the difficulties mothers face in raising their families. It was important to me to show that she is leading out, but not obviously surrounded by people and human assistance. Our personal battles often feel as if we are very much on our own, and I tried to show that even so, we are capable and strong while being sustained in our vital work of the the last days.

Modern Day Mother in Zion


This is a close up of the flame and her arm

Modern Day Mother in Zion


Here is a close up of the face.