You see, a month or so ago, I was drawn to the name "Eulalia". I couldn't get the name out of my head. Eulalia found her way into my dreams, my nightmares, my thoughts. Always, always connected somehow to fire ~
Throughout my life, I have found that the best way to clear my head from nightmares is to transfer the nightmare images, feelings, colors, into my art. So, I sat at my desk and got to work. So simple, so easy this piece came together. Nuns??? What's that all about? I'm not Catholic and I know next to nothing about Catholicism. But, I knew this piece had to include nuns. Nuns and death and fire and strength and fire and fire. Why?
The title ~ "The Burning of Eulalia" rolled off my tongue and my bones. It felt satisfying. Properly composed without the usual serving of whimsy that finds it's way onto my canvases.
So, I created this piece a couple of weeks ago. I read this 2 nights ago ~
"Eulalia was a devout Christian virgin, aged 12–14, whose mother sequestered her in the countryside in AD 304 because all citizens were required to avow faith in the Roman gods. Eulalia ran away to the law court of the governor Dacian at Emerita, professed herself a Christian, insulted the pagan gods and emperor Maximian, and challenged the authorities to martyr her. The judge's attempts at flattery and bribery failed.
She was then stripped by the soldiers, tortured with hooks and torches, and burnt at the stake, suffocating from smoke inhalation. She taunted her torturers all the while,[4] and as she expired a dove flew out of her mouth. This frightened away the soldiers and allowed a miraculous snow to cover her nakedness, its whiteness indicating her sainthood."
I am fairly sure that many people know the story of Eulalia. I'm sure that many Catholics have known this story all their lives. But....I had never heard it. Never heard of "Saint Eulalia". Never knew about a martyr that suffered in fire. Weird right?What does it all mean? Who knows? Probably means nothing. But, it's fun to ponder and wonder, isn't it? Why would a plain ol' southern girl like myself find Eulalia in her dreams? It is....curious, yes?
If you are interested in this piece, the original is listed in my shop. Prints will be offered at a later date. Simply click HERE if you'd like to have a peek at "The Burning of Eulalia".
Until Next Time:
Kim
Gerushia's New World
5 comments:
I was not familiar with the story of Eulalia and found your re-telling very interesting as well as your art. Weird?...perhaps!!
Actually, I find most of your art rather fascinating...
For some reason this line from Hamlet comes to mind:
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Kim, heloooo!
Guess what? I didn't know baout her at all. This is so fascinating!
I looove supernatural spook me til I cry stuff. I don't know why though?
Some crazy side of my brain I suppose.
Love the pieces - such a heavy fabulous tale too!!
Love, V
ps: I agree, all of your work is very intriguing!
Well, thank you. I love doing what I do and am blessed to be able to work from home and get lost in Gerushia's New World.
Yes, spooky, eerie happenings are all about this piece. It's still creeping out Mr. Gerushia.
xoxo
Kim
I got a link to this page from a friend on Zibbet. Cool work, btw.
I've been a practicing Catholic all my life, and although I know more about Catholic saints than a lot of other Catholics that I know, I've never heard of Eulalia. Interesting story. Catholics don't typically tell night-time stories about the saints, although when we have some like this one you gotta wonder why not!
Look up St. Tarcisius sometime. Not quite as interesting, but pretty cool. And St. Lucy. :)
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