Image of the Week: May the Spirit Shine

© Durga Yael Bernhard

This illustration commissioned over a decade ago is my interpretation of the Christian parable of the mustard seed – a common theme from the Book of Matthew and Book of Luke.  The seed of the humble mustard plant is the smallest in the Levant, yet the fastest growing.  Mustard grows both wild and in gardens, reaching as high as nine feet tall, with enough foliage to cast shade, "so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches" (Matthew 13:31-32).  It symbolizes the potential of the human spirit to grow in leaps and bounds, once faith takes root.  

I love mustard plants in all their variety, with their slightly bitter, peppery taste.  These are marvelously nourishing greens, among the easiest to grow – a common plant with many subspecies around the world.  This year, I had an abundance of “volunteer” mustard plants growing like crazy both in and around my garden.  It's a great addition to soups and stews – and an apt symbol of our potential for spiritual growth.  The vast majority of people live near mustard plants – and have the potential to reach our inner "kingdom of heaven" – if only we allow that tiny seed to sprout.

The publisher who commissioned me to do this illustration wanted something imaginative and modern – so I made placed the tiny seed like a radiant star within a figure curled up in the roots of a tree, whose branches house a village.  She is ready to unfold as the light of faith begins to grow within her . . . 

So, too, is the growth of inner light a theme of winter.  The Catskill mountains, where I live, are a patchwork of muted browns and mauves at this time of year.  I enjoyed working with this winter palette.  My client was a delight to work with, and overall, it was a nice assignment. May the Spirit Shine is available as a poster or card.  Click here to order posters of the image of your choice, and here to order cards. 

May the spirit shine in you this holiday season!   

D Yael Bernhard
http://dyaelbernhard.com
children's books • fine art • illustration
posters • cards • calendars