Of all of the Feast Days, the Epiphany has always
been the one that speaks to me most clearly, most directly, and most
personally. This is perhaps because of my Orthodox beginnings,
but more likely because on those occasions when I finally open the
eyes of my heart to notice, I am able to glimpse the epiphanies or
manifestations that are happening all around me most of the time.
While studying in preparation to paint this series,
I was surprised and delighted to learn that the Epiphany, which today
is primarily associated with the birth of Jesus and the visit of
the magi, originally celebrated three manifestations—the visit
of the magi, the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, and the first
miracle at the wedding at Cana. Three of my favorite stories,
combined to commemorate and celebrate, that most compelling of themes---the
manifestation of the Holy.
I couldn’t resist several approaches to this
theme. One painting combines all three occurrences at once,
for Spirit is unconstrained by time or place. Each of the other
three depicts one of the stories—they stand alone, or work
as a triptych, in which case each informs the other. To me,
they all point at the indescribable, and ultimately unknowable, wonder
of the oneness and grace in all of creation.
Each of these paintings focuses on a bit of the
unexpected in each story---rather than shepherds, it is their charges
that witness the star; the Jordan River becomes the River of Life
inviting us to open our ears and eyes to God’s invitation,
affirmation, and presence (our own Epiphany); and the stone water
jars show us the potential for miracle and celebration found in the
simplest of vessels. In fact, each of the stories points to the miracle
that resides in each of us, who are in some respects, the simplest
and at the same time, most complex vessels imaginable.
Community: Saints Martha and Mary
Mission, Trinidad California
Email: artist@kathrinburleson.com
Website: kathrinburleson.com
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