Over the past few years, our nativity scene has become quite special to me. It's different from most nativity sets I've seen. Artist Sue Burkhart Chisholm creates each piece from earthenware clay. After each piece is formed, she then uses objects such as the end of a cinnamon stick, a piece of her granddad's old barn door, or a 1947 Jeep tire to make impressions and create texture. Even Chisholm's own fingerprints can be seen on the pieces.
Each Christmas we are gifted an additional piece of the nativity scene. We started with the Holy Family, Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. Last year we received a shepherd with a sheep and a lamb, and this year it was the manger with a copper star, a donkey, and a camel. The manger really helps to bring everything together.
There's not much unused space in our apartment so this year the nativity scene has been placed on our kitchen table.
How about you? Do you have a favorite or special nativity scene? I would like to collect a few different nativity sets so please show me yours!
Chisholm creates her art in Canton, Georgia, but her work can be found in art galleries across the U.S. I first spotted mine at the Zimmerman Gallery in Augusta, Georgia. View Chisholm's website to learn more.
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/olive-wood-nativity-scene
ReplyDeleteHere's one similar to my set purchased three years ago. I love that its handmade by artisans living in the West Bank and is made of olive wood.