Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Merry Christmas 2010

. . .there was no room
5" x 7" linoleum-cut print
And she gave birth to her Son,
her Firstborn;
and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes
and laid Him in a manger,
because there was no room
or place for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7 (Amplified Bible)

This year I have been researching historical and archaeological writings and images.  I am finding comfort and insight in the evidences of Scripture and faith from those who have gone before me.  I am honoring those historical artists who were the first to proclaim the birth of Christ through the works of their hands.

When I found two bas-relief sculptures documented as the first nativity scenes from 6th Century Byzantine art, I was inspired to design a linoleum-cut print after the manner of those artists' works.  I wanted a sense of history and old world look.  I simplified the image until I had just the parts that said "Jesus was born in a stable". 


I love the attentive excitement the stable animals portray as they view the Christ-child and the star announcing Jesus' birth.  As I celebrate Christmas I don't want to take for granted this exceptional Gift that was so generously given to me and that lasts for eternity.
Merry Christmas to all my friends!