Lay Me Gentle In The Cold Dark Earth Painting

Making the Cold, Dark, Earth a Better Place to Live. Kris Gebhardt was priming an old canvas with tattered, torn edges, when a form started to appear. Perhaps it was divine intervention or perhaps it is all forms of creativity reside in our subconscious and need not the conscious to manifest. Either way, Gebhardt didn’t choose to render Lay Me Gentle in the Cold Dark Earth — it chose him. On the surface this is a spiritual piece depicting Jesus Christ. The dark somber tones, eerie ‘Shroud of Turin-like’ face, faded colors, the dark haunting shadows, all speak to the presence of death and the sins Christ was carrying for all mankind. Gebhardt takes the religious theme through the 70” by 55” mixed-media endeavor by attaching the canvas to wood with nails. Also notable is that the figure is without clothing. This is the most obvious clue that this painting might be something other than an ode to Christ’s suffering. According to the artist, this was intended to be a secular effort. Often Gebhardt is influenced by what he was reflecting on at the beginning of a project. This one is no exception. Gebhardt expands on the Christian concept and puts the individual on the cross as one who surrenders for others — the naked form alluding to one who “gives the shirt off his back.” For Lay Me Gentle in the Cold Dark Earth, Gebhardt was inspired by three men, George Gebhardt, Ron Weigleb and Kem Hawkins. At age 15, George Gebhardt, the artist’s dad, went to work to support his father and immigrant mother – surrendering his dreams to make a better way for his family. Ron Weigleb, a celebrated southern Indiana coach dedicated his life and personal resources to help athletes succeed. Kem Hawkins endured tough challenges early in life then went on to a 34 year legendary career at COOK Medical – putting aside his dreams for the good of the company, helping thousands develop careers and support their families. On the surface, Lay Me Gentle in the Cold Dark Earth is divine. But it is also about sacrificing, giving one’s fellow human beings all you’ve got. Could it be about life or death? Honoring selfless individuals who ask for nothing in return? Or the people in our lives who carry the burden to make this world a better place? Perhaps, it’s about glorifying these rare individuals at the final resting place by “laying them gently in the cold dark earth.” (Nailed to stretcher bars preserving the torn edges. edges are not wrapped giving a shroud look)..