Mother Mary: Goddess of Protection
Mother Mary: Goddess of Protection
I so enjoyed creating this painting inspired by a visit to the Evie Hone and Mainie Jellett exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland in 2025. Evie Hone had her studio in Marlay Park Craft Courtyard where I now have my studio from 1930 until 1955.
Both artists were very much inspired by the divine feminine, and Mary in particular. I personally love working with the energy of Mother Mary, an archetypal mother energy that is found in practically every faith. Other earlier incarnations of the protective mother archetype you may be familiar with are Isis, Ishtar, Diana and Artemis.
The mother archetype always aims to protect and care for the object of her affection, whether that be another, a group of people, a place, an inanimate object, or an idea.
A mother is, at their most basic, a giver of life. She is the creative force. When in right balance, she protects that life brought forth with unconditional love, and sees it grow, and lets go when the time is right. The mother nurtures not just the child, but anyone with whom she feels that mother-child bond.
In a way, Mary’s ability to transcend her origins is what makes her so fascinating. She is not just the mother of Jesus, she is a reflection of the countless cultures, myths, and traditions that shaped her image. And in a world that often feels fractured and disconnected, maybe that’s the real miracle. She is a universal archetypal energy we can all call on for protection and comfort.
The painting measures 70cm x 70cm, acrylic paint and metallic pens on deep edge Italian canvas. She is available for sale and costs €1100. I’m always open to people paying in instalments if that works best. DM me if you would like to give her a forever home.
