Juliet is a real live purebred Valais Blacknose Sheep of a rare breed originating in the Valais

region of Switzerland. Juliet was born in Limerick, Ireland. Last year she went to Italy.

This sizable painting is dominated by a textured background with subtle markings and washes, giving it a weathered and organic feel, reminiscent of the ancient walls of Venice and Rome, places I love and where I have studied (Mary Goes to Italy). In the center stands a solitary sheep, defined by a dark face and feet contrasting with long white fleece, rendered with a certain simplicity and level of abstraction. The sheep is facing the viewer, but her eyes are obscured. There’s a palpable sense of serenity and quiet strength emanating from a humble presence against the expansive, subtly textured background of underlying warmth and depth. It is as if the sheep is emerging from it.

The central positioning of the sheep contributes to the gravity of the subject and suggests

feelings of humility, innocence, and peace.

I have long had an affinity for sheep imagery, this is the first to be incorporated in my predominantly abstract work. Throughout art history and Christianity sheep have often been depicted as symbols, with God as both shepherd and sheep. Given this tumultuous time in the world, the evocative power of this blacknose sheep offers us quiet reflection.

MARY GILLIS

MARY GILLIS