I have to admit that I really don’t know the best way to tackle my current problem. The course I attended recently on ikon painting has certainly stimulated the imagination. Also, I feel a degree of challenge as to whether I can do it for myself, outside of the supportive framework of the course. Added to this, I have a very clear idea regarding a new subject. My problem, however, has to do with just how to go about realising this project.
In keeping with the religious subject-matter to which ikons are normally devoted, I have come up with what I think is a novel and stimulating idea. Ikons of Mary the mother of Jesus are commonplace. Normally, however, they depict her as holding the Christ-child …. often some years after his birth. It occurs to me that there could be no reason why Mary is not depicted as pregnant. This would certainly make the theological point about the reality of “incarnation”, and possibly better than the conventional images do.* What is more, it ought to challenge the easy equation encountered in some religions circles about the association of sex with sin.
My recent experience working with a live model has brought home to me the superiority of this over my earlier practise of relying on my imagination when creating human figures. Consequently I would like to find a relatively youthful female model who is expecting a baby, who might be willing to sit for me. At the moment, however, I’m somewhat puzzled as to the best way of going about this. I’m not sure that a notice in the Post Office window (the preferred way of distributing information in the village) would be very effective. On the other hand I’m concerned that if I start putting out feelers more generally on the internet, I might find myself plugged into all kinds of odd networks. (Would I start to get advertising for baby-care equipment?) It looks as if I am going to have to think this one through. If you do have any constructive thoughts, however, please do let me know.
*This idea would open up for discussion several other aspects of Christian theology, but probably this is not the context in which to discuss these.
Putting out some feelers for you John! I have just texted a friend who’s just had a baby. I wonder if the doctors surgery would allow you to put up a notice? Probably not…
Thanks, Lynrose. I think the idea of a notice in the surgery (although that did cross my mind) is probably pushing my luck.