Painting-A-Day: March 9, 2013

Buxtehude Project: Ad Manus (To the Hands)

Here are the first layers, the underpainting, of Ad Manus, To the Hands. This painting is inspired by the music and lyrics of Membra Jesu Nostri, a commission, which speaks to the suffering of Christ, and so...to the suffering of all people. The concentration today is on the hands of Jesus..."What are these wounds in the middle of your hands?" goes the lament, "...wearied in agony, tormented on the cross...".  Suffering is a subject that is socially uncomfortable to talk about. We don't want to have to think about it. It's hard to acknowledge the suffering we see in others. When I was diagnosed five years ago with rheumatoid arthritis, I was literally in agony...unending physical pain. One afternoon I remember thinking about Jesus on the cross, and all people who suffer greatly. I had a small glimpse into that event as my whole body screamed in endless pain. So this painting is very personal for me. I wake up with great stiffness and pain in my hands. I look at them and lament a little...and then thank God I can still paint. There was a time early in my diagnosis when I had given up that I would ever paint again. 


Everyone suffers...or has suffered in some way, whether it is physical, mental, or spiritual. When you look at someone, remember you might not know their whole story. In this, we humans are connected. I have been concentrating artistically on the subject of suffering for the last 3 years or so (you can see two of my exhibits under the Acrylics tab). Why would I do that? Because I guess I like to bring things like this into the light. I don't like that people have to suffer silently. It is a terribly lonely thing.