Ancestral Altar Piece, 2020

Hinged Triptych

Acrylic on Canvas

48″ x 36″

 

                              

 

Ancestral Altar Piece is a painting that explores a fictional narrative and place of origin within the ancestral hierarchy of my family tree. Each panel represents with heraldry symbolism the origin of my identity through my ancestors. The altar piece suggests the sacred and holy place the family holds.

The left panel represents the ancestral heritage of the Lindberg family name, my biological mother. The symbol of the sea monster, a half stag and half fish is found on the coat of arms and represents being ready for battle or confrontation. I have five siblings through this line.

The central panel and representing the present, is an image of a family tree. The use of an olive tree is symbolic of peace. The tree is placed on the checkered background of the Bergeson coat of arms (my biological father). Above is a field of yellow and then a field of deep blue (almost black), also from this coat of arms. The analogy of the grafting in of branches of olives from other trees to the host tree represents the uniting of family lines into one tree. The olives in the right and left panels are of a slightly different color. The olives also represent all the siblings I have through the uniting of these ancestral lines. Twenty-six in total.I have three siblings through the Bergeson line.

The right panel represents the ancestral heritage of the Ryan family name, my adoptive family. The symbol of the griffin, a half eagle and half lion beast, is found on the coat of arms and represents strength, courage and leadership. There are three griffins on the coat of arms. I have 3 siblings through this line.

All three coats of arms are mostly red which is a dominate color in this piece. Included in the works are Celtic knots that morph into a DNA double helix, representing the truth and uniting of ancestors through the DNA tests that helped me discover my place of origin. (Through parental marriages I gained fifteen more siblings).

Embodied in the tree is a figure with arms outstretched in joy, wholeness and acceptance of this new truth. The circles are known as a symbol of totality, wholeness and original perfection, the Self and infinite. With the tree and the circles there is cyclic movement and feeling.