IMAGE OF THE WEEK
© DURGA YAEL BERNHARD
This is another example of an illustration that I was commissioned to do by a Christian publisher, about twelve years ago. It is my interpretation of the parable of the mustard seed – a common theme from the Book of Matthew and the Book of Luke. The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to the tiny mustard seed – the smallest of all seeds in the Levant, yet the fastest growing. It symbolizes the potential of the human spirit to grow in leaps and bounds, once faith takes root.
I love mustard plants in all their variety, with their slightly bitter taste. These are marvelously nourishing greens, and among the easiest to grow. This year, I had an abundance of “volunteer” mustard plants in my garden and even on the outside of the fence. A wonderful addition to soups and stews – but more important, a wonderful metaphor for inner growth.
My client, the publisher, wanted me to depict the metaphor in modern terms – so I placed the tiny seed like a radiant star within a curled up figure. It was not the first time I used a curled up figure as a symbol of potential. This one lays in the roots of a tree that is populated with a village, and with branches that bring forth flowers and fruits in the form of human potential: music, dance, and baskets full of harvest.
I enjoyed working with this palette of winter hues. The Catskill mountains, where I live, are a patchwork of muted browns and purples at this time of year. I’m sure it was autumn when I did this illustration. My editor was a pleasure to work with, and overall, it was a nice opportunity.
May the spirit shine in you this holiday season!
A good week to all –
D Yael Bernhard
Author / Illustrator of
THE JEWISH EYE 2018 / 5778 Calendar of Art – New!!
LOVE IS – a unique crossover book for all ages
THE LIFE OF AN OLIVE – Explore the life of a 2000-year-old olive tree
THE JEWISH EYE 2018 / 5778 Calendar of Art – New!!
LOVE IS – a unique crossover book for all ages
THE LIFE OF AN OLIVE – Explore the life of a 2000-year-old olive tree
JUST LIKE ME, CLIMBING A TREE: Exploring Trees Around the World
NEVER SAY A MEAN WORD AGAIN – A Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review;
winner of the Sydney Taylor Award and National Jewish Book Council Award
THE DREIDEL THAT WOULDN’T SPIN – A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah
WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING – A Children’s Book Council Notable Book
AROUND THE WORLD IN ONE SHABBAT – A Sydney Taylor Honor Book
A RIDE ON MOTHER’S BACK – An American Bookseller Assoc. Pick of the List
– and more!