2001 Christmas Day
5' x 6'
Acrylic & gold leaf metallic powder on canvas
Original sold • limited edition prints available

Affectionately called “The Madonna”, this painting was headed back to the studio to be recycled and painted over. Suddenly a friend intervened, passionately vocalizing his interpretation of the painting. We both stood entranced in front of this 6 foot painting, moved beyond words at the images before us. I saw then, as I do today . . . a woman sitting cross legged, embracing her baby, with a mammal fin supporting them as they levitate in an aura of white - the white light of Spirit.

Then we remembered that it’s December 25th. Voila! "The Madonna”. Both of us were moved to tears and I nearly fell to my knees in humble gratitude, my entire being shifted like an aftershock.

Throughout the next several months, I would gaze at "The Madonna" pulled in by the colors and brush movements for minutes unknown. And then, the face of a man appeared. And a crown of thorns . . . and a wink! On another occasion (many months later) a woman's face emerged. Soft and motherly. I interpret the man's face to represent Jesus and the woman, The Blessed Mother.

This painting is as dear to me as is “The Heim Women.” Both reflect poignant times of personal growth.

Brenda Heim, 2001