Image of the Week: A Bruised Reed He Shall Not Break
© D. Yael Bernhard
This illustration is my visual interpretation of a passage from the Book of Isaiah. I was working with a Christian publisher, and had a long-standing relationship with the editor. Like most editors, Sarah had a way with words, and enjoyed engaging in the process of relating them to images – especially words of Scripture. Though we hailed from two different traditions, this is where we met, in this very enjoyment. As with my present project working with the author of an oracle deck, Sarah and I formed a unique creative partnership. She let me come up with the visual concepts to go with the assigned passages, which I submitted to her as pencil sketches. Then she gave me her feedback, invariably improving on my ideas with her astute observations. Eventually I was able to submit rough thumbnails, and that was sufficient to let Sarah know how the idea would develop into a finished piece.
Millions of Christians take special interest in the writings of Isaiah, as the prophet's words have been interpreted as foretelling the coming of Christ, and are quoted accordingly in the Book of Matthew. Yet I feel it's not just this connection that has enabled these ancient passages to stand the test of time, but also the deep intrigue engendered by Isaiah's mysterious words. That Christians and Jews alike share this common interest, even if not for the same reasons, pleases me.
I've illustrated a number of passages from the Book of Isaiah, and wrote about the prophet himself in this year's Jewish Eye calendar. The above illustration depicts Isaiah chapter 42, verses 1-4. It speaks of a certain kind of strength – of inner fortitude and unperturbible restraint:
A bruised reed he shall not break; and a flickering flaxen wick he shall not quench;
with truth he shall execute justice.
Neither shall he weaken nor shall he be broken, until he establishes justice in the land.
So said . . . the Creator of the heavens and the One who stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what springs forth from it, who gave a soul to the people upon it and a spirit to those who walk thereon.
Service is the theme – to goodness, to justice, to our highest aspirations – and reverence for life, and the earth. Nothing delicate shall be broken by a soul who treads lightly, not so much as a gentle reed. I depicted this concept by showing three things that are fragile: the tender little seedling, the flitting candle flame, the precious newborn infant – all vulnerable, all held in protective hands. Illustrators must think a lot about how to symbolize ideas with objects; in this case I deliberately chose three that would be equally familiar in ancient times as they are today.
The illustration was painted in gouache, with a foundation of lavender coloring the silhouetted figure. Each object’s section is distinguished by a second color overlaid as a subtle texture. Look carefully and you’ll see the variations. It’s a simple piece, but it served its purpose. Sarah and I were both satisfied with the result. Then I was on to the next one, as I was usually commissioned by this publisher to do six or eight “illos” at a time.
I’m grateful for the diverse opportunities I’ve had to do creative work!
A good week to all –
D Yael Bernhard
http://dyaelbernhard.com
children's books • fine art • illustration
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