Yesterday at Ebenezer herchurch Lutheran we sent the 21 Magdalene icons back to their visionary artists with our gratitude and blessing. Let me share with you the icon written by Christina Gage (right) and the musings I wrote on all 21 paintings.
THE MANY FACES OF HOME
honoring the 21 paintings by 18 visionary artists in The Many Faces of the Magdalene exhibit curated by Jennifer Mantle at the celebratory weekend at herchurch April 27-28, 2013, and in anticipation of San Francisco Opera’s production of The Gospel of Mary Magdalene by Mark Adamo
Not out of the whirlwind, from the spectrum She of Red Tears emerges. She anoints. Jennifer Mayol
It was no surprise when the dove pecked her cheek the egg turned red. Guru Kiren
You who sat next to my mother have taken on a quiet, pensive feel. It’s about time. Jennifer Mantle
Even the smallest of the small grows under her care. And the word spreads quickly. Elizabeth Gibbons “The Magdalene as Guardian of New Life” or “Mary Magdalene Meets Micro Lamb”
The holy is no stranger to the flashy. Bring on the bling. Shiloh Sophia McCloud
Above as below, creating is the chalice of my intentional being. Leslie Nolan
Dearest granddaughter, why shy away from red? Marilyn McGinley
By the blessed empty, the heart is full. Elaine Chan-Scherer
The winged consorts – royal and verdant. Ready. Jessica Bowman
Tend the roses – red/white. Neither elevated above the other. Rev. Carole Ann Thomassy
Encircling circles. Look into my kohl eyes. See the winged; see the scaled. See two dragons in harmony. Elizabeth Gibbons “The Magdalene’s Prophecy”
In a chevron of light, behold my feathery body sojourns the heart. Linda Joy Schomaker
I come to you shy one. Look into my gaze. The candles lit. The cup ready. Kendall Scott
Take my hand into the wild dance. Join raven, redwood & creek. Our greening will be fierce. Mary Diamond
You have followed the red thread. You swear I am she. And, yes, I am. Susan Conrad Risse
Touch your heart. Touch my heart. There is only one heart. Katie Ketchum “Hold Me
Yes, I look familiar. In time you will learn your true name. Katie Ketchum “Magdalene”
I who have been welcomed into your mysteries will gather the scattered. Katie Ketchum “Isis Initiate”
Why deny the obvious. Nothing is separate. Solidifying gases form vine & word. You ask, “Who is home?” I say, “Welcome, child.” Sue Hoya Sellars
Behold I am the Eight Fold Path. Drink from my lotus cup. Maya Telford
In the soft folds of the favorite shawl the color of ripe persimmons, I arrive home. Christina Gage