June Print Club: Enlighted and Enflamed

On April 26th, I was invited to attend the Tulsa Opera’s performance of Dvořák’s Stabat Mater—a deeply moving composition born from unimaginable loss. Dvořák composed it after the death of his children, pouring his grief, love, and spiritual longing into a work. Stabat Mater is the title of the thirteenth-century Latin hymn and it means "the Mother was standing." In Latin, the hymn consists of twenty couplets which describe the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin at the Cross.

I was one of four Oklahoma artists invited to the performance and asked to create a piece inspired by this masterwork, I knew the emotion needed to be visceral—seen not just in the eyes, but in the shadows and the light. This painting is my response to that sacred grief and strength. The glowing warmth across the subject’s face symbolizes the divine flame of love.

This piece will be part of a special exhibition hosted by Tulsa Opera in August 2025, alongside the other commissioned works. I’ll be sharing more details as the date approaches, and I hope you’ll feel a connection to this piece as it begins its journey out into the world.

Thank you, as always, for supporting my work through the Artful Delight Print Club. I’m so honored to share this journey with you.

With gratitude, - Rosanne