"St.
Mother Teresa"
by Judi Wild
painted in 1991 when our Mother was still in relatively good health
The
completion of this work of art was, undoubtedly,
this artists
finest hour.
Over 300 hours of incredible detail went into the
creation of this masterpiece. With minute, almost hairless
brushes
Judi used a labour-intensive dry-brush technique whereby
the watercolor was added layer by transparent layer.
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This
beautiful memorial honors the late St. Mother Teresa of
Calcutta
Limited Edition paper prints available for $240-
Cdn. funds Also available in canvas transfer giclees
Each print is hand-inscribed in silver with one of the Mother's favourite quotes
NOW
AVAILABLE IN MINIATURE FORM.
The
image is 5" X 7" and has been reproduced on
an offset
press supervised by master technicians.
Mother Teresa declared a saint
"I
never had the opportunity to meet this very special lady,
although
after hearing very remarkable stories from people who knew her
personally, and after
working on her portrait
for 300 hrs. I
felt like I had known her".
"I
have always had the highest respect for her and it was such
an
honor & absolute joy to paint her.
Even more of an honor, was
the fact that a framed print
was presented to her in Calcutta,
when she
was still in relatively good health.
A tea farmer from Mumbai
(Bombay) paid
for the framing and a little presentation took
place"
“This painting of St. Mother Teresa & the research that went
into it's creation was, for me, a spiritual journey in itself. “
Judi Wild donated 20 of these magnificent prints to Fr. Joe, a personal friend of the Mothers who works closely with the Kripa Foundation in Mumbai. These prints are now hung throughout India in the Kripa Rehabilitation centers, which was established in 1981 in part by Mother Teresa herself.
Kripa Society of India
lovely video to watch at bottom of this link
The artists story of this painting in her own words...
“I have always admired Mother Teresa and was inspired to paint her portrait for this reason. I was amazed by her acts of selfless devotion in caring for the mentally and physically sick and poor - with little concern for herself.
But when I began painting Mother Teresa just over 25 years ago, I experienced a tremendous emotional involvement and a journey of Spiritual growth. I realized that the profound emotions that were awakened in me must also have been felt by the Missionaries of Charity who continue to follow her lead and all the others who admire her teachings.
I was not fortunate enough to have met her, but after spending an overwhelming joyous 300 hours painting her image and listening to the stories from those who had the pleasure of her company – I felt that I knew her. It had been arranged that she would stop into Edmonton in 1991 on her way to L.A. But she became ill and the visit was cancelled.
The completion of this work of art was undoubtedly my finest hour. When I put down my brush I made the decision to give up the security of my full time employment as a graphic designer in Edmonton and to follow my dream of moving to Vancouver Island and becoming a full time professional artist. It was a decision that I did not take lightly. I had worked for the same company for 11 years and another 11 years with the Provincial Government of Alberta as a drafts person.
On my last day of work I brought my painting in to work to show my co-workers what I had been working on. The positive reaction was all I needed to know that I had made the right decision.
My Edmonton art Gallery had a client very interested in the original portrait, even before it was hung for public viewing. It was my favourite painting and I was hesitant to let it go.
At the same time I had moved out to the coast to Fanny Bay, and was living all alone in the tall cedars in a small holiday trailer. I knew no one. I began building my house, but quickly ran out of money as my paintings were not selling as fast as I had expected. My builder warned me that it REALLY rains on Vancouver Island in the winter and that I HAD to get the roof built that Fall. You see, it was not just a normal roof, but a very tall A-frame – most of the structure was roof and cedar shakes and it was going to cost a lot of money. So reluctantly I decided that I would part with my beloved painting of Mother Teresa. I was poor, alone and sometimes hungry and ready to go back to my previous “comfortable” life. I always tell people that the Mother put the roof on my house, which allowed me to stay on the coast and follow my dream. She would have called it Divine Providence, which she so often mentioned in her teachings.
Even although I am not Catholic - to me, this was a miracle....one of many that I had heard of.
She gave me shelter so I could pursue my passion.
One of her favourite sayings was “We can only do small things with great love”
Looking back, I am blessed that she did indeed view her portrait. A tea farmer from Mumbai arranged for the framing of one of the full-sized artist proofs and it was presented to her in Calcutta (Kolkata) at a time when she was performing her work and still relatively healthy.
I also donated 20 of the prints to Father Joe, a personal friend of the Mothers, who works closely with the Kripa Foundation of Mumbai. These prints now hang throughout India in the Kripa Rehabilitation centres. This foundation was, established in part by Mother Teresa herself in 1981. With such humble beginnings it has grown to become a world-wide organization
I am delighted to see so many others draped in the familiar white and blue robes following her lead and fulfilling her legacy.”
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TO ORDER contact the artist
or
your local gallery
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