Holy Icon

"25,550 Sunrises: A Tapestry of Spirituality and Life", acrylic on canvas, Bishop Maxim, 2023

This painting intertwines celestial and earthly themes. A woman emerges from the sea in the foreground, symbolizing rebirth, against a vibrant backdrop of a coastal village, mountains, and playing children, suggesting innocence and devotion. The presence of the Mother of God with Christ, surrounded by angels, in the upper left corner adds a celestial dimension, implying protection or blessing.  The woman’s face captures the essence of the painting, with one eye reflecting calmness and the other surprise, drawing viewers into a deeper engagement with the artwork. The resemblance to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the expressive gaze of the Panaghia and Christ towards the woman create a strong emotional impact. This combination of elements and the focal point of Claudia under the watchful eyes of her heavenly protectors infuse the scene with a dynamic energy, inviting the viewer into a harmonious blend of the divine and the mundane.