I lied. It looks like I have glazes to put down in a few more places early tomorrow morning. The green glaze flattened out the ceiling too much, so I will have to reglaze the ceiling. Need to make the lights "glow", and add another color to the baby blanket.
posted by Kate at 12:34 AM
30 Comments:
As a catholic I am disgusted by this painting. Angelina is in no way anything like the Virgin Mary. I dont care how many kids she adopts or underdeveloped countries she vists or charities she donates to this painting is a huge distrespect towards our Virgin Mother. I would hope anyone who fell as insulted by it as I do lets their voices be heard and that the painting be removed to never be seen again.
I think dear you did it only for fame. As an artist I can say your painting is sugar coated-soap opera type of thing. Just remove it, it is no good.
Awesome painting!!!!!!
At first glance I was almost offeneded as a Christian. However,
I find it insightful. To me it represents the idolatry that many Americans and the world have for celebrities. There is only one God and His Son is Jesus Christ.
Idolatry is a sin and I think that many in our society worship the celebrity stars instead of the One who made the stars in heaven.
Jesus reigns!
Lady you should be ashamed of yourself! By nomeans should Angelina be compared to the Virgin Mary nor Brad Pitt as a god!...I dont care how much good they are doing in the world! I think the painting is AWFUL AWFUL work, and should be taken down! If I lived where this painting was being displayed in this Wal-Mart, I wouldnt even shop there anymore, I cannot beleave they even let you hang such a thing in their store!
This painting IS a great departure from my previous work, which is why it almost did not get made... this is something that I discuss openly in this blog before all of this happened. My previous art (with the exception of a painting depicting my outrage at the OJ Simpson thing) came from an "inward place" rather than an exterior one.
My life has changed dramatically in the past year... EVERYTHING about my life has changed. Artists know that when you move or dramatically change the circumstances in your life, your art changes as well.
When deciding what my next painting was going to be, I decided to look outward, rather than inward. So I took a look around me, and I made a painting about what I saw. Pretty simple. When I made this painting, I was not thinking that it would get this attention. Millions of artists all over the world make millions of paintings, and no one cares: I had no reason to believe that this was any different.
When you are on your deathbed, the money doesn't matter, the hits on google don't matter. But if you spent your time on earth trying to tell the truth about what you see, your life will have been worth something, in my opinion.
Watch the CBS/Miami Television News Report on "Blessed Art Thou" here:
http://cbs4.com/video/?id=27918@wfor.dayport.com
This is an outrage. She is anything, but Holy. She had an affair with a married man. She is an awful, awful person. That fact that you would dipict soemone as pure as Mary with someone like her shows where your morals are.
U are unbelievable!! truley UNBELIEVABLE angelina is NOTHINGGGG like the virgin Maryy i am Catholic too and this painting makes me think twice about how people like u live ur life with those morals. im 16 years old and i find it so offending as a christian to see something like this being displayed. its hilarious 2 think that u ACTUALLY DID IT dont expect much recognition.
I find your paiting VERY beautiful.
I don't believe in religion just that there is a higher power but i can't help but realize that the only reason Angelina is documented and photographed as much as she is is because of her beauty. Why isn't there pictures or paintings of "average" people who have adopted a handful of children. I know there are many other famous celebrity's that have adopted but to be honest i couldn't tell you their names, why because they aren't as beautiful, Rosie O'Donelle (spelling?) has adopted but we don't see her picture plastered everywhere. No one would consider paiting a masterpeice of her. Again i do enjoy your work but it's only her beauty as to why we really care.
p.s. Ladybugs mean good luck:)
Hey Kate..
How dare you compare a Whore like Angelina Jolie the fornicator to the Blessed Virgin MAry.This is an insult to the human race.What has this prostitue who stole Brad pitt from Jenifer Aniston wrecked a marriage, been high on drugs, cut herself all along, with tatoos imprinted all over her fucking body and a bastard of shiloh have in common with the Blessed Mother. You shoould feel ashamed of yrself to have even imagined this concept in yr painting. how much low can u get?
I would not even classify this pathetic "thing" as art.....Kate Kretz has insulted the 1 BILLION Catholics worldwide in order to gain her "15 seconds of shame". This woman used very poor judgement in creating this disgusting "cartoon" by stealing a sacred image from the Catholic Church and then inserting her own characters into it. And people call this "creativity"......she can't even come up with an idea on her own? I wouldn't pay 5 cents at a starving artists sale for this trash.
Kate, screw that schmuck from the Post - your work is amazing!
GREAT VISUAL SENSE, REAL ENERGY
But my hat is really off to you for some damn clever marketing! Tying in Angelina Jolie, the Virgin Mary, Wal-Mart and the Web? Donald Trump on his best day is left standing in the dust, outpromoted! And I'm an ad guy! I conclude that YOU ARE AN ADVERTISING GENIUS.
(And you're cute, too)
If I were you,I would start a creative consultancy and line up a few dozen Fortune 500s as clients. It won't be hard now.
My hat is off,
Al Rotundo
ps anyone offended by a little opportunism should butter up on picasso, dali, etc....
My first impression of the painting was that Angelina is an Angel on a mission. To be an instrument in the Lords hands to change the detiny of these children. I, in now way, compare her to the Virgin Mary. But a beautiful angel pre destined to assist in potential greatest. Who knows, the children she has adapted my go on to become GREAT LEADERS. They will make a great impact 30 40 years from now. "Angel"ina, you truely have a Heart of Gold. You parents were insipred when they named you at bith. Keep up the great work KATE. You are an outstanding Artist! CR from Plano TX
Kate, your art (I looked at all of it) is just incredible. As a woman, you have touched me deeply. Don't let the morons get you down! It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, "Where you stand determines what you see." I try not to think about where some of these negative folks are standing.
Keep on! Hope this year is the best for you. ~ Karen P.
Even though the art work is a bit off the wall...it shows what this world really values. The media portrays those in Hollywood as gods with perfect lives that we should all want. But we need to ask ourselves...do we want something that isn't real? It's all show...most celebrities have their own personal psychiatrists to help them deal with all the crap thrown at them and all that they have to deal with.
I like it...and as for the Catholics having a fit. Mary was a sinner who needed to be saved and is not God either. She is not to be worshiped and certainly praying to her will get you no where. She was a sinner saved by grace just like me or you. Though she should be respected as Jesus' mother it is wrong to have idols of her as well. (Like the one in your frontyard and all around your church...yes that's what I'm talking about.
Are you saved? Romans 10:9, 10:13
Written by a saved, born again Bible believing Baptist that just happened to come across this while checking email.
Your work is good but I am so disrespected with this one.The virgin mary is pure and you disrespected a mother.The mother to jesus!!!Why couldn't you paint a tiger they are the ones that need help or a bunch of children standing with the real virgin mary,there is children right here in this country that are reaching there hands out for help.
Definitely unusual & eye catching, but somewhat eerie too. Everyone has at least a little interest in celebs, they're shoved in our faces enough. lol I like Wal Mart & shop there on occasion, however, having anything Wal Mart underneath such a beautiful image sort of looks like Heaven & Hell. I mean, Wal Mart is kind of "taking over" & not necessarily in all good ways. That's annoying. Why the Wal Mart image? That's kinda gross & takes away from the beauty of the top image. But art is often & probably supposed to be controversial. I just don't really see the point I guess. I think the top part of the painting is beautiful! Regardless of who is depicted in the painting, it is pretty. And I don't see the Virgin Mary, nor do I see Angelina Jolie. I see nurture, love & safety - something we all long for & should have. Like the hidden ladybug touch too. But I do think it was bad taste to paint Angelina Jolie's child nude, especially w/ out her permission. At least the other child is posed in a more tasteful way. I have nothing against nudity, I just think where kids are concerned, better judgement & taste could be used. No offense, just an opinion.
Regardless of my opinions of this painting, I admire your painting talent & you definitely don't lack creativity. :)
What a slap in the face to Jesus's mother. Mary never broke a marriage up, her baby out of wed lock was divine intervention for the salvation of men. Not out of the lack of self control!! In NO WAY is she a role model for anyone, unless she admits her mistakes and asks Jennifer Anniston's forgiveness.
Kate, how true it is... Our 'world' today is not only cought up in the celebrity side but just as sad are all those out there 'taking offense', like you have personally attacked them.God does not recognize religion, He does however recognize people and shame on all for the attack on Kate, for the only thing she has done is paint what MANY see. Many of you have put others in the same light very day by puting others in the spot that GOD should be. If I had the money, I would purchase this art and put it in a place that many could see as a reminder of what is and what should never be.Mother Mary or Angelina- either way they are not God and if worshiped as such those who are puting them there are no different than those waiting for Moses to decend from the mountain... food for thought. Beautiful art Kate, You should be proud that You have accomplished what You set out to do.Make people think!!
as an american non-christian, I dislike anything with a religous tone, because I have studied religions for years, and all are similar in origin created by humans, but I think people are missing the point here. This painting is merely making a comment about, the way american soceity has become, and how it seems as if, celebs are placed above GOD and Jesus by some Americans. And I don't see how or why any christian or catholic person would be offended by this painting, if anything you should be agreeing, because the country you live in worships, false idols, you should support this painting. As art I don't think it's a 50,00o dollar piece, but I never understood art, and could never paint anything myself, so what do I know.
wal marts floors are not that clean nor the lines that short ;)
oh yeah & you forgot to put ALL the english words in the wal mart fall apart part of your section in espanol as well
I find this painting and your other artwork very intriguing and thought provoking. Being raised as a Catholic myself,I don't agree or take exception as some others who have left posts. I congratulate and admire your talent.
It appears, Kate, that viewers are so emotionally locked into one feeling about this painting that they have failed to internalize your first few paragraphs that preface this painting, and have thus failed to "think about it." In so doing they have proven your point about the deification of celebrities without even realizing they have done it.
Kate...My granddaughter and I have reviewed your website and read the comments you have made concerning this painting. If ‘so called’ Christians, Catholics and Non Catholic...whatever. Can’t see the message you are depicting here and the idolatry that permeates our society, then what does their opinion matter anyway. Your painting has provided what a great painting should provide. It draws the world's attention. Your painting will in no way be forgotten and your name will never be obscure again. Some of the previous comments reek of jealousy and the cloak of stupidity that religion has a history of imparting.
In addition, this painting has a special meaning to my granddaughter and I. Last summer we were in the garden section of Wal-Mart and came upon the statue of Jesus at least 3 times. Each time we go to Wal-Mart now, the standard joke is that we are going to see Jesus. It is great to see his ‘Mother’ visiting him.
Sylvia & Kimi
dear kate,
i love the unqieness of your work. and as an artist myself, i understand your change of style. listen to the negetive comments, but don't take it in. a lot of the people don't realize the more hidden meaning of "Blessed Art Thou". and what more, people don't know what they are saying when they say things like, "you did it for fame". people, people. there are so many artists out there and realistically, more artists are out there to express themselves and enjoy art, not to gain fame. if fame is the main goal, then they can do it by other means. kate, continue growing as an artist and those of us who appreciate your work are here for you. much luck.
Dear kate,
I find this painting and your other artwork very intriguing. I feel bad for the people that need to ramble so nigativly about the painting can you imagine there life so uptight to feel the need to judge a painting. There is NO ONE Perfect Catholic or Christian . I have alway understode the need to be judgemental to other people one you're life is so jacked up that you would rather hide it and make ur self feel better by talking about some one else
At first, I thought, "Great, another salute to Jolie as the savior of the world." But, on reflection, I thought, "She's made a work of art that shoves it in our faces how much credit this woman gets for good deeds." The one thing about Jolie that tends to irk some of us is the idolation she gets for doing what plenty of other people do without the pats on the back she receives. Plus, she does nothing to help the children of this, her country. So, my hat is off to you for making us think.
Lady Birds are messengers.
I think the picture of Angelina Jolie is very beautiful.
Especially with the blue dress and the glowing bright blue Madonna eyes. What is her real eye colour?
She looks a lot like me when I was younger, charity working out with Christian and multi- Tribal communities in South East Asia when they filmed Tomb Raider.
I remember well, as I was in London when Angie announced she as The Dragon had joined the United Nations and was working on a Unique Village Craft Model in Thailand. What a great idea. What happened to it? Did she implement it? What was the strategy? How did she form it in Thailand while she was so busy filming in Cambodia? How many years of her life did she sacrifice, war, violence, danger and abuse to set up this model she set up?
I would really love to know. I'd also love to know if anyone suffered and any peoples suffering and poverty continued and exaccerbated as a direct or indirect result of her actions.
It was a very good career move for someone who held under such a negative image by the public and wasn't very famous at the time. If I was a movie star I would want to be known as the Goddess and have a husband with buns like Brad Pitt.
Not all celebrities are ego maniacs.
Look at how humble Princess Di was and what she did for the humble people of the world. And sometimes people become celebrities
just because of the work they do - Mother Theresa was not a movie star - yet she was, became a celebrity.
Lets accept it. Angie Voight Bob Pitt Jolie is the new Millenium Villages Madonna. She came down from the skies in her big black military helicopter spreading news of the new era. Her humanitarian efforts to promote the plight of others with works such as
"Day in the Life of Angelina Jolie"
The Angelina Jolie Foundation
"Angelina goes to beezelbub"
are all exceptional works of humililty. Please excuse my vagueness with titles as I was busy "out in the field" at the time these were released adn did not view them. But I heard about em on the poster walls of every phone booth, bus stop, brick wall that could be plastered in several different languages.
Due to Ange - and not great humanitarian role models like Gandhi, Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Guevera, Martin Luther King et al we all know now there is suffering in the world. And we all know there is someone called Angelina Jolie who promotes it.
And why do we know - because you buy the magazines, articles and promotional propaganda. Because you envy and idolise what she represents. Which in this world turns into some kind of idolatory.
Yet we all know in our hearts that what she represents is the opposite of attaining enlightenment, or getting to heaven. Simply because self sacrifice means ultimately you put all others before yourself. No excuses that you need to have money, or fame, or whatever first to do your work. You just do it naturally. This is not 30% tax deductible.
So for as long as you want the celebrity Jerry Springer version. You get what you hope for. Just like Vietnam really. Iraq. Congo. Sierre Leone. Bosnia. Zimbabwe. Afghanistan. etc. etc.
We expect the real Madonna and Jesus to come just like a mass media production. Now isn't that a little paradoxical. But as with Mother Theresa, maybe Jesus and the Madonna become celebrities in their own right (afterall how else did you hear about them?)
Of course Angie doesn't steal husbands nor anything else. She is above the law. We should all give up our livelihood - our jobs, our life to more prominient and beautiful "powerful" media people without question - and let them take over. They have all the experience technical qualifications and ability to do be the true humanitarian mentors of the world = Money = power = buy media = money = power = buy media = ...
Don't pay any attention to PEACE Corp. Doctors Without Frontiers, UNICEF, TEAR FUND, Christian Aid etc. Don't put any of them in the limelight as they have no media value. Instead put a celebo-face in front and then everyone will want to know about it. The story itself and the real people working out there have absolutely no merit of their own whatsoever. The public will just not be interested. AND then, importantly, the feeding chain for celebo star eco-systems will crumble.
I liked her doco concept of "Poverty goes to Hollywood" where she sent celebrities out to all corners of the poor earth to show the plight of humanity.
I remember submitting something similar in UK - only the concept was to focus on the unsung heroes of the world of eco/poverty and suffering alleviation. Ah, but I was just a blue eyed charity worker with long dark hair that had no media value - so
I guess I held no media value whatsoever...
You reap what you sow. And sow. You get what you accept and expect to be given. Movie Madonnas.
Please excuse the blunt commentary - a long history of abuse I am still healing from has fuelled my anguish.
I know from my walk with peoples that most of us are just out there doing all we can - and when I was working on charity phone lines I validated that the majority or higher percentage of giving and charity came from the poor people.
Not many real people really take much notice of the media propaganda anyway. The propaganda media just reports that they do.
I like movies and watching good movies. So I like Actors and Actresses, entertainers. And I appreciate when they do things to show the world more of what we turn a blind eye to - Blood Diamonds for instance.
I never saw tombrobber and I'm not really into gun spy stories as its a bit paradoxical to promoting humanitarian causes... unless the movie is something exceptional with a good script - but I have enjoyed other movies with great acting and take them for what they are. Movies.
Lord of the Rings was one of my favourites, of course with blue eyed dark hair Liv Tyler playing the Goddess also. She suited it.
Lots of people play roles and pretend to be others and get paid to do so.
Being true to Oneself is much more challenging because it does not involve external acceptance, popularity, wealth, greed and adoration.
I am just grateful to all those anonoymous people who do so much to save our world in crisis.
God Bless All
And congrats Kate on your publicity stunt. Lovely painting technique and very contraversial. Maybe you can donate some of your profits from all this to Saving the Stolen Generation - children who should be supported in their own cultures - through one of the reputable charities that have no media value without a celebrity. ;)
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