June 2010
By Sherri Baierl
Medium: Mixed (collage, conte, maker, acrylic)
Notes: Brand new.
Mother Teresa is a notable figure in modern history. When I think of making an impact for good in this world, for God or toward helping others I can only hope that it will be felt to a degree of her life’s contribution. The unflinching, selfless and humble work that was done quietly rocked the world. And because of the degree of compassion with which she did it the world saw despair and need that otherwise would not have been seen.
The collage of bright colors was the beginning of this piece—I soon realized that all these items were “happy” and often rather materialistic or manufactured. At the same time I had this image of Mother Teresa and it haunted me, one of those images you continually go back to. She has deep lines. She looks thoughtful. She has a plan. The work she would be doing would not be bright or colorful or manufactured but the opposite.
The collage and the portrait are both striking and both reflect on very different ideas. What ideas do you want to stand for? What will your life’s work be about?
I spend a great deal of my time searching for the next great scarf or enjoying the pursuit of material things—trying to find just the right color or the right fit but in actuality it has nothing to do with why I’m on this earth. I want to find out why I’m here.
This is not intended to stir guilt, sadness or regret. It is though, hopefully, a flag or a yield sign. Reflect. Think. Become aware.
