"And God Remembered Rachel"

“And God remembered Rachel….”  (Gen 30:22)

As Joseph’s ten older brothers were born, his mother Rachel yearned to have a baby.  I have contemplated the idea that Rachel may have started weaving and embroidering a blanket with the hope that one day she would have a baby.  As other children were born, perhaps Rachel made her blanket more elaborate.

As Joseph grew older and his mother died, his father could have had the blanket made into a coat for him as an outward symbol of the love of his parents.

I added the white poppies to the composition because a friend of mine, who grew up in Israel told me that the phrase "consider the lilies of the field"  conjures images of poppies for her.  I like to add that meaning to this image.  "Considering the lilies" can sometimes be a difficult task, especially when wanting and waiting is prolonged.

This painting is currently on display as part of the Annual Spiritual & Religious Art of Utah Exhibit in The Springville Museum of Art up until January 15th.  Museum hours are:  closed Mondays, 10-5 Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours until 9 on Wednesday evenings and Sundays 3-6.  Admission is free.