Many of my ancestors were Catholic and I have always loved the stylized work of icon painters. This piece is a nod to that history. Similarly, when I lived in the Philippines, I was always a little puzzled by the overwhelmingly white presentation of religious figures in a devoutly Christian and overwhelmingly brown country. To my Filipino sisters who have offered many an Ave Maria but never considered that she may have looked much like you. This one is for you.
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In a broader perspective, depictions of Mary often emphasize a demure and submissive character. But I always thought she must have been a bold individual to accept a destiny that in her culture may have meant death and certainly meant shame. In my mind she did not accept the heavenly message with head bowed and eyes diverted. She, like her mother Eve, stepped forth with confidence and faith when a call was extended to challenge the norm in the name of humanity’s progress.
