Fall Silent
"The Shadow in the Middle"
Image Reflection
While not specific to this artwork, the artist statement of Daniel Bonnell, offers insight into "The Shadow in the Middle.":
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My painting reflects on the ultimate human need to fulfill an intrinsic longing that extends from birth to death. Simply put, it is a need to be held. My art symbolically speaks to this notion, especially with darkness (black) embracing light (color), with negative space enclosing positive space, and with texture as human skin calling out to be touched... Each work of art is a devotion. Each work of art is a phone call home to the Trinity. This process is born out of contemplative thought with the pursuit of works that require a deconstruct so they may take on their own contemplative life... All real beauty finds rest on a stage of humility–even a grocery bag. This manner of working becomes a creative conductor that allows my process to become centering prayer, a means to listen–and to be held.
"The Shadow in the Middle" is an image inspired by John 8:1-11, the story of the woman caught in adultery. The image evokes the silence that could come from Jesus' words, "whoever is without sin cast the first stone." We fall silent, wondering if it's our shadow in the middle. We fall silent, taking in the love Jesus has for this woman. We fall silent and drop our stones.