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Burden of Guilt
Medium:
Oil and acrylic on Canvas
Dimensions:
24" w x 36" h
Original available for purchase:
Private Collection / St. George, Utah
Available in Giclee:
Yes
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© Artist Gina Jrel - May, 2004
About the Painting:
The idea for "Burden of Guilt" came out of my feelings about organized religion. It was conceived in the Spring
of 2004, shortly after moving to Southern Utah (an area that is saturated with organized religion).
In the short time I had been here I met many people who were noticeably fighting internal battles directly related to
religion. Their families would not accept them unless they conformed to the family's religious views. Worst of all in my
eyes, the parents were communicating openly that they would lose privileges associated with their family's "eternal salvation"
because the children had not chosen the same religious path they were committed to.
Now adults, these friends were carrying a huge, unwarranted, but deeply entrenched psychological burden of guilt. Being
labeled as "bad," Repeatedly I would hear the
expression, "I feel like a failure." I was fascinated and angered by the duality created by this -- my adult
friend's desire to please and be loved by their families, but their
desire -to be who they are, and live their lives on their own terms.
I personally found each of these people to be very bright, intelligent, talented, funny, creative souls. Their gifts
and their personalities should have been celebrated, and elevated, by those in charge of raising them. instead, their uncontainable
spirits, and their unwillingness to conform, has cost them dearly. As I have witnessed (and have some personal experience
with) the wounds can be deep, and may never fully heal.
I'm not against organized religion, I think it has it's positive attributes when taken in moderation and with rational
judgment. (I have yet to find one that my own heart feels at home wit). But I AM against any organization (religious or
otherwise) that uses fear, intimidation, guilt, brainwashing, or psychological manipulation to control the thoughts and behavior
of its followers.
In my eyes, any organization that instructs followers not to ask questions, or not to freely investigate, but just requires
them to follow blindly, is cause for concern.
If "heaven" is a place reserved for those who engage in psychological manipulation or conditional love to court
an sustain religious devotion, I'll take a ticket elsewhere, thank you.
The beautiful figure in this painting hides her light under a bushel - so to speak - and cannot allow it to shine because
of the heavy burden of guilt. The original painting's edges are adorned with hand-painted crosses to symbolize the element
of religion.
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