BLACK MADONNA
Original by Leslie O’Leary

She sustains and nourishes all life and, at the completion of each life cycle, all living things return to her. The Black Madonna is the source of all the dark, rich, fertile processes of Nature the overseer of all fertile transformations in outside world and our own inner nature.

There are approximately 500 Black Madonna in the world. Mostly in Europe. Their care is overseen by the townspeople who live in the areas around each one. It is known that the shrines and images of the Black Madonna have an undeniable spiritual power, which explains their attraction for so many.

The Black Madonna images are among the oldest Madonna images in the world. Her beautiful blackness is purportedly not related to race or ethnic origins but has to do with symbolic meanings of fertile Nature. She wishes a return to balance and wholeness.

In creating this Black Madonna and while sewing the topstitching a marvelous occurrence happened, I found that the stitching represented the beats of hearts. I soon realized that this is our connection with Mother Earth, the beat of our heart becoming one with hers.

Details: Body: Sculpted clay head with silk-linen weave-overlay. Body sewn in same silk. Dyes of water color and natural dyes. Hand painted eyes, Hair-silk yarn and tussah silk.
Costuming: Under kimono - Vintage kimono distressed and banded. Fabric manipulation stabilized with freeform topstitching. Foundation dupioni silk. Over skirt - kimono silk overdyed and banded. Fabric manipulation stabilized with freeform topstitching. Foundation fabric vintage kimono silk. Under slip vintage kimono liner silk over dyed. Lace vintage.

Quotes: Communication with Mother Earth is the highest form of prayer.
Time to Heal Renew Grow Become

Wall Piece: 32 inches
$3,300.00US

May your Heart connect with Mother Earth
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