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
