If you enter ALL themes, you will automatically get a crate. if you only enter a few of the themes you can only qualify to win as a judge favorite.
Sacrifice. Jesus was and is the ultimate sacrifice. He gave up His whole life for us and would do it again. In my work, I made a desert background to represent that even when we feel alone (ie in the middle of the desert, and lost) He will be there. No matter how we feel. In the depths of feeling like we should give up and we have no way forward, we do. We always do. Through and with Jesus. Because of His sacrifice. (This is my personal beliefs. No harm if you don’t believe or feel the same.)
" Virgin Sacrifice " “They made her a martyr for their madness.” ... “Even innocence can bleed for the unholy.” ... To an outsider’s eyes, the sacrifice walks forward with quiet courage , a figure of resolve, almost noble in their surrender. But to the cult that watches, that same step is drenched in desire , driven by greed, lust, and a hunger for forbidden power that corrodes the soul and snuffs out all light. For one offers their life to the divine, while the others offer theirs to damnation. ... Made with watercolours and gouache paint.
*Trigger Warnings : Firearm , Implied Assault / Abuse , Visual of Person in Distress ... Spoiler Theme No. 3 : "SACRIFICE" As is with other concepts, "sacrifice" can mean (and represent) a vast number of thoughts, emotions, and ideologies among us, all. And, like everything, it can tend to be positive, or negative... With this in mind, I've chosen to make "Forced Conversion" as the subject of my piece. Forced conversion , historically, occurred when an individual or a collective is mandated to adopt a religion, foreign to him/it; or, to abandon his/its existing beliefs. In the case of the latter, the individual or a collective could be obligated to completely renounce his/its faith. He/it could also be compelled to take a religion on; should it be deemed that there is a "lack of it". Personally, as I learnt more about forced conversion, it became more evident to me that it is no longer exclusive to religious oppression/suppression. It has branched out to encompass so much more, in today's society. That was I wanted to feature in my work here... How this "conversion" can forcibly strip someone, both literally and figuratively--being made to sacrifice his/her/their identity, dignity, beliefs and ideologies. All under the guise of achieving "freedom and enlightenment"... For a "guarantee" of security and safety from persecution... To get "help" they need... Or, just to gain the acceptance of others. However, if one takes a very close look: Not everything what it seems. (Easter Egg!) And, certainly, not for the better. As is my preference , I utilised cold-pressed watercolour paper; as well as a variety of fountain pen inks.
Biologically, after laying eggs and while caring for their young, a flamingo's feathers can fade because the pigments are used to produce milk (the baby's food). Literally, she gives up a part of herself—her color, her beauty, her energy—so that her young can live. This makes her a symbol of tender, loving sacrifice for the sake of life. "True beauty lies not in what one possesses, but in what one gives." Spoiler: Layers
Super out of practice and it shows 😮💨 Spoiler: Procsss gif My interpretation: This piece represents the act of sacrifice in letting go of what could have been -- something like letting go of an ambitious dream for the sake of innocence -- a child. Not very halloween, but the word 'sacrifice' still comes to mind more when it comes to 'mothers'. She releases her crown, a symbol of status and pride, while holding a glowing child-like figure. It’s a quiet moment of strength, showing that real sacrifice often means choosing the heart over glory.
It's OUR Turn Now Sacrifice, goats, and humans; somehow correlate to one another. It's always been us who sacrifice the goats to certain rituals. Now it's their turn.