The idea of Mary Magdalene has always struck a strong chord with me as a woman, a wife, and a mother. My focus on shooting young girls and young women has made it even more important. What is our role as a woman?

 

Throughout the centuries there have been many extra-biblical speculations about her role before and after she met Jesus. These have included harlot, wife, mother, and secret lover.

 

She has been called the second-most important woman in the bible after Mary the mother of Jesus.

An enigma, a figure of loathing, lust and feminine guile who has inspired, captivated and inspired more great works of art than almost any other bible character.

 

Mary Magdalene traveled with Jesus as one of his followers. She was present at Jesus' two most important moments: the crucifixion and the resurrection. The Gospel references describe her as courageous, brave enough to stand by Jesus in his hours of suffering, death and beyond.

 

In these times of troubling religious conflict, where we see daily, the zealots of one religion murdering those of another, it is interesting to me that a profoundly strong and defiant female character like, Mary Magdalene should transcending those militant beliefs and existing for centuries as a symbol of female strength.