These two paintings are called "When We Grow Up"
and were made as a response to the question, "What do the holidays mean to
you?"
The first image that came to mind was a group of carolers
singing in the snow. Surely that was what Christmas meant to me, I thought, but
then an image of one of my family traditions rose before my eyes, only to be
replaced by the thought of swirling snow. Image upon image rose before me until
I was left with a confused impression of a sparkling lights, snowflakes,
holly, presents and family all against the background of the manger scene.
Yet, when I put the image to paper, I realized that wasn't
what Christmas means to me. Perhaps the singing, snow and lights once meant
Christmas to me, but not anymore. I don't live in a place that has snow, diets
have banished traditional treats, moves and death have removed relations from
the holidays and presents do not mean what they once did. All the things that
once meant Christmas to me have gone. Only the Lord's birth remains. I and my
family are pale, brief shadows against the light of his coming. There is comfort
that despite the fading of family traditions and absence of loved ones, the
reason for the celebration remains and will remain. Praise the Lord!
Audrey Gragert
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Audrey Gragert is a Studio Art graduate of CSU Chico
(California) and one of the most joyful people I have ever met. She is
currently a homemaker and mother stationed in Guam! Check out her
portfolio at Deviantart: http://10time.deviantart.com/gallery
These are beautiful; thank you for sharing your thoughts on how His birth trumps all traditions!
ReplyDeleteI love your explanation of the second piece, Audrey. As though the true meaning of Christmas shines through your family. Merry Christmas to you all! Thank you for sharing your art with us and for the glory it gives to God!
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