MORNING STAR
An artistic reflection and meditation born from the chaos that was the pandemic
By Marissa Andrews
I once came across an image of Mary in this posture, just in passing, but for some reason, it stayed with me. I hunted high and low to find it again, but it always eluded me. Eventually, I forgot about it.
Then, during the COVID lockdowns, as the Feast of the Assumption approached, I found myself thinking deeply about the concept of ‘darkness to light’, and about Mary, her role, her presence in all of it. The world was filled with bad news, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how she bore good news into a broken world. That thought stirred something in me.
I tore up newspaper clippings and let them form the backdrop, my way of expressing the darkness around us. And then, that image of Mary suddenly resurfaced, not from a reference, but from memory. A fleeting encounter with beauty had left a lasting impression, and it emerged again when I needed it most.
It had to be her, in that posture, that style, that simplicity. I didn’t realize at the time how deeply it would speak to me. But as I drew, the mystery began to unfold. I was so immersed, I finished it in a day or two. Nothing else mattered in those moments but what was being revealed to me… glory through littleness.
It remains one of my favorite artful epiphanies
To a world in darkness – diseased and dying,
consumed by lies, driven by ways that are self-seeking…
She gives of herself; She says, ‘Yes!’
She bears Good News
Him – The Way, The Life, The Truth.
Indeed, She brings forth The Light
& it shines ever so bright!
She is Mary, Our Mother, Our Morning Star!
Illuminating ‘The Way’, even now, in our darkest hour.
MORNING STAR
MEDIUM
Mixed Media on Wood
DIMENSIONS
24×29 (inches)
SOLD
BUYER’S REVIEW
“Morning Glory, Marissa’s painting of the Virgin Mary, deeply moved me the moment I laid eyes on it —it’s not just visually stunning, but has deep spiritual layers. What struck me most was the way Mary’s serene presence rises out of a background composed of newspaper clippings—symbols of our daily chaos and heartache. Against this backdrop, Our Lady stands radiant and composed, a beacon of grace and hope. The contrast is powerful: her stillness set against the noise of the world, her peace shining through the darkness.
Marissa’s use of vivid colors is exceptional. The shades of blue, gold, orange and soft whites don’t just decorate—they illuminate. There is a sense of divine light flowing from the art, a visual reminder that serenity can triumph over strife. To me this painting is more than an image—it’s a meditation, a quiet invitation to place trust in something higher. It reminds me that even in the mess of our times, Mary remains a source of comfort, clarity, and unwavering love. I’m so grateful to Marissa for bringing her vision to life, and feel privileged that this beautiful work graces my home.”
Neil Fernandes, Dubai
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MARISSA ANDREWS 
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