German Madonna

In the fall of 1994 I was privileged to go to Stuttgart, Germany and to study with a Franciscan Sister who was quite renowned for her woodcut prints and liturgical work in many churches. I was able to study and work with her for six months. Her name is Sister Sigmunda May, OSF. This by far was one of the best experiences of my life. She taught me how to follow my heart and carve what was in my heart so it would have life. I have met people at critical junctures who have inspired my choices and Sigmunda definitely was one of these people. She helped me loose my umbrella of rules and be free with carving and woodcuts.One day while I was there, an oak log appeared on the bench where I worked. Later I found out the log was 500 years old. On it was written in white chalk the words, "a present for Mary Ann." I quickly set to work and made a small sketch of what I wanted to create. She suggested I start with the face and then said the rest will come. I chose to do rounded shapes which were brought out by the harder shapes. Opening up the piece in the chair brought the shadows in. It felt like I had opened up something that had always been there.

German Madonna, Oak Wood, 18"h x 6"w x 6"d