Prophet Series: My Magdalen Heart
Oil with gold leaf on canvas. by Carla Woody
Today is Mary Magdalene’s Feast Day. A few years ago I created My Magdalen Heart as one of my Prophet Series, an oil with gold leaf on canvas. This artwork pays respect to Mary Magdalen who has been denied recognition for her true role by the traditional church, and honors all teachers who go quietly about their service with humility.
The original artwork now lives in Albuquerque with a woman who’d had a relationship with The Magdalen since childhood. She came into The Gallery in Williams where I show my work and fell in love. I happened to be in The Gallery that day. She told me her stories with misty eyes and left very happy. It was emotional for us both. I later received a note from her thanking me again and said, “We put her in the place of honor over the fireplace. I was afraid the painting would get lost because of the size of the fireplace, which is huge. But she commands the room and her eyes follow me everywhere.”
I felt so blessed to received this communication, just as blessed as when I was painting the piece…because it felt that Mary spoke to me as I was doing so.
In Sophia’s Children Jamie Walters writes: Who was Mary Magdalene, really?
And why is this question important at all given that we’re talking about a woman who lived 2,000 years ago, and about whom we have only slender references?
The Lifepath Dialogues 
What a beautiful piece of art, Carla! Yes, she spoke to you, clearly. She is a precious guide for me, so today is a day I’ll honor her. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Pam!