Hail, O Favored One #2

According to the Western Church tradition, Mary was seated and reading the Bible when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her (she was drawing water from a well according to the Eastern tradition). In this painted banner I invite the viewer into a meditation on Mary’s “annunciation” experience by placing him in Mary’s chair with the scriptures open in front of her. On either side of the Bible are graphic implements that she might have used to write down her prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, traditionally called “the Magnificat.” In the middle ground the viewer sees what Mary might have seen: the hand of Gabriel presenting her with lilies (the traditional “attribute” of Gabriel--the way that artists signal “this angel is Gabriel”). His first words, “Hail, O favored one,” are written in red at eye level.  The scripture says, “”she was greatly troubled at this statement and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be (Lk. 1:29).”  

By using his gifts to create an object that might be used as a reminder of our story or as an object that triggers contemplation, the artist finds his place and purpose in the community of believers. I have signaled this by hanging paintbrushes, the implements of my trade, in the place traditionally occupied by tassels on a banner or Tzitzit on a prayer shawl, where they serve to remind us to serve God in all things.