Sophia, Divine Wisdom
Contemporary Icon 13" X 17"
Gouache and gold leaf
on sculpted board
© 2003
Mary Plaster
Artist's Statement
Icon writing is normally a tradition of faithfully copying canonical images.
Sophia was my first original vision, conceived of my historical research of the Russian Byzantine version and subsequent re-imagining. My mentor at the time-internationally known artist Sr. Mary Charles McGough,O.S.B. (1925 - 2007) of St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN-acted as mid-wife to my process. My version's face was inspired by my own daughter, Azahar. I depicted Lady Wisdom seated in the context of the entire Cosmos, beckoning us to inclusive and sustainable decision making that gently cooperates with global community. Ageless, androgynous, indigenous and totally unconcerned with material wealth and hierarchy, She insists on a new way of thinking that can potentially turn the world as we know it upside down. After writing this icon, I discovered that "Dark Mother" is common to other spiritual traditions that pre-date Christianity and continues to resurface in the worldwide "Black Madonna" phenomenon. This image continues to resonate with me throughout the tsunami and hurricane disasters. She has opened doors and connections for me in travels around the globe.
Contemporary Icon 13" X 17"
Gouache and gold leaf
on sculpted board
© 2003
Mary Plaster
Artist's Statement
Icon writing is normally a tradition of faithfully copying canonical images.
Sophia was my first original vision, conceived of my historical research of the Russian Byzantine version and subsequent re-imagining. My mentor at the time-internationally known artist Sr. Mary Charles McGough,O.S.B. (1925 - 2007) of St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN-acted as mid-wife to my process. My version's face was inspired by my own daughter, Azahar. I depicted Lady Wisdom seated in the context of the entire Cosmos, beckoning us to inclusive and sustainable decision making that gently cooperates with global community. Ageless, androgynous, indigenous and totally unconcerned with material wealth and hierarchy, She insists on a new way of thinking that can potentially turn the world as we know it upside down. After writing this icon, I discovered that "Dark Mother" is common to other spiritual traditions that pre-date Christianity and continues to resurface in the worldwide "Black Madonna" phenomenon. This image continues to resonate with me throughout the tsunami and hurricane disasters. She has opened doors and connections for me in travels around the globe.
