Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer

Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer Instagram – A painting I made from life of the church of Buchignano, the church in my tiny village of just 40 inhabitants. The mysteries this church holds to me are enthralling. The church has been around for centuries. Behind the painting framing the sculpture of the Madonna and child bathed in a neon light is a 16th century fresco that only a few people in the world have seen. I have yet to see it. I know it probably is in need of restoration, and one day it is a dream of mine to be able to fund this. Who would have entered this church throughout the centuries? What were they seeking? What were they praying for? What motivated them most intimately, and what tormented them? What were their conversations with God like? Every night when I come home I walk by this church, and every night I stop to look inside at the neon light around the sculpture of Madonna and child. The neon light is on, every night, without fail. Frequently the custodian will have lit a lone candle as well, symbolizing the spirit of God. There are rarely masses held in this church, but when there are, the deepest sense of “culto”, and the mist palpable devotion radiate throughout the entire village. I sat in this church many nights painting from life, from the end of summer, into fall, and into the coldest night of the year just a few weeks ago. I watched the seasons change, by night, in this church. I sat with one head lamp propped up on a pew illuminating my canvas, and one on my head to see my palette. I would make the walk through my village with my backpack and easel in hand, with the big iron key that the custodian had so trustingly bestowed into my care deep in my pocket, into the solitude and most beautiful sensation of being the only one in a centuries old church at night, with nothing but the sound of the hills and mountains outside, and the footsteps of the odd passerby outside. If they peeked in the window, they would see me with my easel and my little headlamps.
This one is going to @elandinsenn , and I can’t think of a better person or home for it.
Ps- the painting on the left in the last picture is another painting that I can’t wait to share with you! | Posted on 27/Feb/2023 13:06:55