New Project Pictures!

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First Five Books In Progress

First "Reliquary" in Progress

This is the first "reliquary" I've started. It's still in progress. I picked up some old maternity books from a free book "store" and I've rubbed out the text on two facing pages. On the left, I've written the text from the first response I received. On the right, I've cut a recess into the pages. Within that is a "relic" I made to go with the story. I'm working from examples of illuminated manuscripts to paint decorations around the text and the recess.

I'd like to have this book and 4-5 more completed by the next time my class meets (Monday, October 25th). However, I can't do that without more stories. If you or someone you know has a story to contribute, please post it in the comments section below this post this week. Thank you again for you help.

An example of an illuminated manuscript.

Detail of Virgin Mary and Christ Child
Peter of Virey (patron)
1485

Princeton University Library, NJ

An example of an illuminated manuscript.

The Dream
Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852 - 1936)
1886

Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Introduction to the Project

II’m taking a class this fall in which we are studying reliquaries. Although reliquaries are found in many cultures, the most commonly known are ornate containers that hold the relics (remains) of saints revered by some sects of Christianity.

In response to our studies, each student in the class is going to be making a piece of art that will be featured at the Walters Art Museum of Baltimore, Maryland, USA in the spring of 2011. For my project, I’ll be looking into the topics of mothers, motherhood and the mother-child relationship.

I’d like to ask you to please assist me with this project. You can do this by posting stories to the comments section below this post that relate a significant moment in your role as a mother and by spreading the word to other women. These will be used as inspiration for my project.

If you have any questions, feel free to post those in the comments section as well and I'll answer them in a future post. Thank you for your time and participation.