I’m looking for help in creating a piece of art for a series I am doing exploring motherhood. The basis for this art piece is a famous sculpture by Michelangelo called The Pietà. The Pietà is a subject in Christian art depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of her son, Jesus.

While I was aware of this sculpture, first as a child being raised catholic and then later as an art student, the piece gained new meaning for me when I became a mother. When I see the Pietà now, I am drawn to the experience of Mary. Like Mary, all mothers must come to terms with having to slowly surrender our children to the world, for better or for worse. While we can only hope that our own child will not come to a fate as dramatic as Jesus’, there is a parallel that I am hoping to draw on and explore with this piece: that all mothers must grapple with their children growing up and outgrowing what little protection we can provide them.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE: I am asking any mother and their child of any age who is interested to please take a picture of themselves in the pose of the Pietà; mom sitting down with her kid draped over her lap and the child in a languid position. No need for anything special; no fancy clothes or backgrounds, in fact the more regular life the better. A digital image or 4x6 print is all I need. I am hoping to get lots of pictures from lots of people. These will then be compiled into a collection. When faced with a large grouping of these images that play off the well know stance of the Pietà but in a surprising way, I am hoping the viewer is able to see themselves in this idea and is moved by the love and loss of parenting.

Please send images to johnine@johnine.com
or to 3287 Norwood Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44122