Cradle to Cross

Cradle to Cross celebrates Christ’s incarnation and then visually meditates on the cross. Each of the pieces in the exhibition is a delicate translation in line and gold, recreating specific historical works as ‘icons’ from the canon of Western Art. Cradle to Cross begins with an interpretation of Simone Martini’s Annunciation, includes a Nativity, Madonna and child, Rembrandt’s Storm on the Sea of Galilee, a Descent from the Cross, and concludes with Piero della Francesco’s Resurrection.

There are also several delicately drawn gilded crosses. These crosses hung above the altar in Medieval churches and when people came forward for communion, they were literally 'under the cross,' a profound concept.

Each of the 26 historical pieces is carefully reproduced in silhouette form, painted on Twinrocker May Linen, a feather deckled handmade paper. A layer of iridescent oil crayon is added to the painted area and thin sheets of 22-carat German gold leaf are then applied to the surface. Finally, the original image is suggestively drawn using pencil, stylus, etching points or anything that will incise the somewhat soft layers of gold. Lines extend through and beyond the frame of the piece giving an almost architectural setting for the work.