 |
Mary Magdalene was created as a result of an invitation to Cassandra Barney to appear in an Artist Guild International show called Art of the Restoration in Salt Lake City. The artists are commissioned to create a piece of art based on their own vision of a gospel theme. “I envisioned the scene at the tomb and wondered about Mary Magdalene, after her conversation with the resurrected Savior. I pictured Mary in thoughtful relief,” says the artist.
“The elements represented in this painting all have symbolic meaning. The cross was constructed from the dogwood tree. The white dogwood blossoms fall around the figure to symbolize the suffering that is past. Ivy symbolizes the path where Christ walked. Primula is a flower of compassion and also a symbol of resurrection. The crocus represents of the resurrection and heavenly bliss. A chrysanthemum was present when Christ was laid in the tomb. Easter Lilies symbolize the pure soul’s resurrection and the Oriental poppy symbolizes Christ’s blood. The passionflower that Mary holds represents Christ’s wounds and the begonia symbolizes the heart of Jesus.
“The egg hanging in the tree was inspired by a story I read about Mary and the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Mary Magdalene, following the death and resurrection of Jesus, arranged to meet Emperor Tiberius. She held an egg in her hand and exclaimed ‘Christ is risen!’ Tiberius said that was as likely as the egg in her hand turning red while she held it, where upon the egg in her hand turned a bright red. Mary went on to talk about the life and teachings of Jesus to the imperial gathering.”
|
|
|
Cassandra Christensen Barney was born and raised in Orem, Utah. She received
her Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Brigham Young University in 2000. “I've
had a passion for the craft of the portrait since I was a child. As a young
girl, I visited museums around the world with my father, collecting postcards
adorned with 16th century art. Exploring these simple images captured my
imagination, unlocking a world of discovery. I love the art of storytelling,
the layers of symbolism, and would create my own stories of these quiet women,
making the paintings my own. Today I paint portraits that share my passion for
storytelling while revealing my personal journey of transition and discovery.”
Christensen Barney’s images capture the souls of heroines, everyday women who
have found strength and personal victory in their diverse experiences. Her
portraits carry a range of emotion reflective of the events that have shaped
their character. Ambiguous and poignant, Cassandra’s women find strength in
their femininity. “They are beautiful and strong, because of the complexity of
their feminine nature”
“My portraits may not always feature the outwardly pretty or majestic, but
they all share a quiet beauty that asks us to listen and to feel. My work
reflects my personal narrative, yet my intent as an artist is to create an
experience that will allow the viewers to bring new interpretations to the
symbols, creating their own narrative and own sense of understanding and
place.”
Christensen Barney and her father, James C. Christensen, delight in working
together. “My Dad inspires me to experiment with my own style, media and
interpretation. Painting together in his studio, we have developed a wonderful
synergy, critiquing each other and encouraging each other to experiment with
colors, surfaces and textures.”
Life is truly art at Christensen Barney’s home as her husband is also an
artist and teacher. Her three daughters enjoy creating along side their
parents. In addition to her children, Barney encourages many others to explore
the world of art. She taught at The Waterford School for four years and part
time at BYU. The Barney family will relocate to Vancouver, Canada this fall
where her husband Dan will pursue his doctorate in curriculum studies at UBC.
|
|
