blind
Representational portraits of blindfolded people appear illuminated within darkness. The tension between what the facial expression of the subject connotes versus what the assumed emotional state of a person would be when blindfolded is intriguing to me. It seems to evoke a peace. A relationship with Jesus Christ develops a lifestyle of trusting God despite the unknown.
2 Corinthians 5:7 New International Version (NIV) “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Jesus also describes sin as a blindness: John 9:39-41 New Living Translation (NLT) Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?" "If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see." |
Claiming to see and actually being able to see are not one and the same. We need Jesus in order to perceive what is real and true.
John 18:37 New International Version (NIV) "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 14:6 New International Version (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." |
contact
These Contact drawings represent the beautiful feet that bring good news and the hand of shepherds that feed us with knowledge and understanding. We are all many parts that make up the body of Christ. All of us have been created by him and find our purpose in him. Together we are the church and God's glory is our mission. Faithfully walking in the light as Christ is in the light is our active participation in that mission. The process by which these drawings were created required faith in translating touch to mark. I blindfolded myself and relied only on my sense of touch to guide my pencil across the paper, trusting the authenticity of a searching line to communicate the description of hands and feet. These drawings are the record of my journey to honor the body of Christ through sensitive line weight with layered attempts to describe form and communicate meaning. My pastor was the model for Contact No. 1 and a beloved friend ministering in northern Africa was the model for Contact no. 2.
deathrow
I believe the process of portraiture attempts to ask the following questions concerning these death row inmates. Are death row inmates the morally lowest and vilest of society? Do they have the same inherent value as other citizens? Are they beyond saving faith? Could the genuine loving good news of Jesus Christ’s purpose in his life, death, and resurrection transform the hearts and minds of these criminals leading to their confession of faith? Square halos were sometimes used for living saints vs. round halos for dead saints in Italian paintings from 500 – 1100. Alone or as a group these pieces are intended to set themselves up as hope for the hopeless.
Covered
This series is a depiction of our identity in Christ. We've been forgiven so that we can forgive. May I always be pursuing the discipline of forgiveness.
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." - Romans 8:1
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." - Ephesians 1:7
"And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." - Hebrews 9:22
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." - Romans 8:1
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." - Ephesians 1:7
"And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." - Hebrews 9:22
Displaced
EVE'S HOPE, GRAPHITE ON PAPER, 22 X 30 INCHES, 2014
Had God already explained sex and childbirth to Adam and Eve before the fall of man? Did Eve know that she would be carrying another human life between earth and sky as it grew within her? Eve's relationship with God up to this point has been one of love, joy, peace, guidance, protection, and provision. The consequences of original sin can be seen in the book of Genesis, chapter 3, verse 16-17. Can you imagine that moment Eve considered the reality of such a consequence knowing that things are different now...that her accountability forecasts relational strife and pain? She did not trust the number one relationship that literally began her entire existence. Did it evoke deep regret, sorrow, or anxiety?
The weight of responsibility can truly be felt with the promise of consequences. Any sin, a violation of my purpose and relationship with God, and its consequence is undesirable if I truly understood the dangers and potential complications that it inevitably yields. But I won't always understand that. Trusting in God's way and his purpose for my life is more important than what I perceive as "good in my own eyes". Coming to God with my questions, thoughts, and desires should always be first. His wisdom, justice, and love are irreplaceable.
May we have ears to hear...
Adam & Eve were not abandoned. While there were still consequences of a broken relationship, God had mercy and provided for them. God continues to express his love and commitment to imperfect people today. His mercy and grace come to us through the perfect gift of his only begotten son, the fulfilled promise of a "snake crusher" in Genesis 3:15. Faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides faithful and wise leadership for humanity, forgives us our sin, and restores our broken relationship with God.
Had God already explained sex and childbirth to Adam and Eve before the fall of man? Did Eve know that she would be carrying another human life between earth and sky as it grew within her? Eve's relationship with God up to this point has been one of love, joy, peace, guidance, protection, and provision. The consequences of original sin can be seen in the book of Genesis, chapter 3, verse 16-17. Can you imagine that moment Eve considered the reality of such a consequence knowing that things are different now...that her accountability forecasts relational strife and pain? She did not trust the number one relationship that literally began her entire existence. Did it evoke deep regret, sorrow, or anxiety?
The weight of responsibility can truly be felt with the promise of consequences. Any sin, a violation of my purpose and relationship with God, and its consequence is undesirable if I truly understood the dangers and potential complications that it inevitably yields. But I won't always understand that. Trusting in God's way and his purpose for my life is more important than what I perceive as "good in my own eyes". Coming to God with my questions, thoughts, and desires should always be first. His wisdom, justice, and love are irreplaceable.
May we have ears to hear...
Adam & Eve were not abandoned. While there were still consequences of a broken relationship, God had mercy and provided for them. God continues to express his love and commitment to imperfect people today. His mercy and grace come to us through the perfect gift of his only begotten son, the fulfilled promise of a "snake crusher" in Genesis 3:15. Faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provides faithful and wise leadership for humanity, forgives us our sin, and restores our broken relationship with God.
BLINDS, OIL ON CANVAS, 42 X 47 INCHES, 2013
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:4-5
Without light, there is no life. This painting is founded on the need for Christ to live in us and through us. In this piece a choice is depicted between closing the blinds or lifting the blinds. On the one hand leaving the person in darkness and in the other hand revealing light for the person to see. Christ offers light for dark times. Hope that leads us through death.
“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” - Galatians 6:8
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?" - Jeremiah 32:27
PROVERBS 27:4, OIL ON BOARD, 50.5 X 42 INCHES, 2008
"Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,But who can stand before jealousy?" - Proverbs 27:4
The pictures that can be imagined in the book of Proverbs are fascinatingly apologetic to me. Proverbs 27:4 gave me pause as I noticed that anger was compared to a flood. Upon further thought I realized that, like a flood, anger will ruin your home, pick you up (emotionally), and take you where you do not intend to go. Have you ever regretted something said or done in anger? It's a powerful emotion and one that, I'm told, covers other vulnerable emotions like feeling rejected, scared, pressured, trapped, offended, or attacked. This painting is a reminder for me that anger left unchecked is dangerous but forgiveness calms the storm. It's impossible to stay angry if you choose to forgive who and/or whatever circumstances have offended you.
"Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,But who can stand before jealousy?" - Proverbs 27:4
The pictures that can be imagined in the book of Proverbs are fascinatingly apologetic to me. Proverbs 27:4 gave me pause as I noticed that anger was compared to a flood. Upon further thought I realized that, like a flood, anger will ruin your home, pick you up (emotionally), and take you where you do not intend to go. Have you ever regretted something said or done in anger? It's a powerful emotion and one that, I'm told, covers other vulnerable emotions like feeling rejected, scared, pressured, trapped, offended, or attacked. This painting is a reminder for me that anger left unchecked is dangerous but forgiveness calms the storm. It's impossible to stay angry if you choose to forgive who and/or whatever circumstances have offended you.
Treasure series
Treasure, charcoal on paper, 120 x 36 inches, 2009
A family portrait is presented as a landscape. Like a sunrise giving light, unity, and strength to the land the arcing lines form a connection between each person in the family. The intent of this piece was to display the invisible emotional and spiritual connections within a family unit. Our heart makes it's home in what ever we treasure most. Whenever that treasure is a person we are always connected to them no matter the physical distance.
”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:21 (New International Version)
Treasure No. 2, (Samuel & Marie) mixed media on canvas, 39 x 46 inches, 2009
People are the riches of the kingdom of God. Life flows through loving relationships. Like a sunrise giving light, hope, and strength to the land, the golden arc forms a connection between each person. The intent of this piece was to display the invisible emotional and spiritual connections within a couple. Our heart makes it's home in what ever we treasure most. Whenever that treasure is a person we are always connected to them no matter the physical distance.
”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (New International Version)
Well-being No. 2, charcoal, oil and shellac on paper, 48 x 42 inches, 2009
“...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." - John 4:14 (New International Version)
Fellowship, mixed media on paper, 72 x 48 inches, 2006 (SOLD)
This drawing is a visual definition of the word "fellowship". Pastor Jimmy Smith, a man I dearly admire and respect once stated, "Two fellows in the same boat makes a fellowship. While two men in the same boat are out on the water; if it's rough on one it's rough on the other. If it's raining on one it's raining on the other. If it's hot on one it's hot on the other, and if you fish like I do, if one's catching fish the other one's going to be catching fish."
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." - 1 John 1:5-7
A family portrait is presented as a landscape. Like a sunrise giving light, unity, and strength to the land the arcing lines form a connection between each person in the family. The intent of this piece was to display the invisible emotional and spiritual connections within a family unit. Our heart makes it's home in what ever we treasure most. Whenever that treasure is a person we are always connected to them no matter the physical distance.
”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:21 (New International Version)
Treasure No. 2, (Samuel & Marie) mixed media on canvas, 39 x 46 inches, 2009
People are the riches of the kingdom of God. Life flows through loving relationships. Like a sunrise giving light, hope, and strength to the land, the golden arc forms a connection between each person. The intent of this piece was to display the invisible emotional and spiritual connections within a couple. Our heart makes it's home in what ever we treasure most. Whenever that treasure is a person we are always connected to them no matter the physical distance.
”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (New International Version)
Well-being No. 2, charcoal, oil and shellac on paper, 48 x 42 inches, 2009
“...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." - John 4:14 (New International Version)
Fellowship, mixed media on paper, 72 x 48 inches, 2006 (SOLD)
This drawing is a visual definition of the word "fellowship". Pastor Jimmy Smith, a man I dearly admire and respect once stated, "Two fellows in the same boat makes a fellowship. While two men in the same boat are out on the water; if it's rough on one it's rough on the other. If it's raining on one it's raining on the other. If it's hot on one it's hot on the other, and if you fish like I do, if one's catching fish the other one's going to be catching fish."
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." - 1 John 1:5-7
Lightning Bug No.1 - 7
charcoal & chalk pastel on canvas mounted paper, 5” x 5”
Ephemeral, magical, bio-luminescence. These bugs are an amazing organic novelty.
Ephemeral, magical, bio-luminescence. These bugs are an amazing organic novelty.
Sit, Walk, stand
BASED ON A SHORT STUDY OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS TITLED, “SIT, WALK, STAND” BY WATCHMAN NEE.
The foundation of this series is the relationship we can have with God in Christ Jesus. I’ve used my friend Zakk and his son Isaiah as models. The first piece, Sit was about understanding our position we’ve been given as a child of God because of the death and resurrection of Jesus and our faith in him. The Sit section has had the largest impact on me. Christianity begins with a big "DONE". "We began our Christian life by depending not upon our own doing but upon what he had done. Until a man does this he is no Christian." (p.15) Anything we do as a Christian always begins with a resting in God. "Sitting" is an attitude of rest. Our given position in Christ is with Christ seated at the right hand of God. Ephesians 1:17-21 and 2:6-9 There's a mystery and a wonder to such a precious perspective. “Walk” is about the application of our position in Christ. i.e. making life-giving choices. It's not about being "right" it's about the life within your decision. Everything Jesus did was redeeming and Jesus is our example to live life. It's not about winning an argument, it's loving the person you're arguing with before, during, and after the argument. That’s how Jesus lived his life and set an example for us to follow in his footsteps. Seeking to know him and walking with him daily in a loving relationship is the greatest satisfaction we could ever have. “Stand” is about abiding in our position in Christ. "Our task is one of holding, not of attacking. We do not fight for victory, we fight from victory" (pg. 55).
The foundation of this series is the relationship we can have with God in Christ Jesus. I’ve used my friend Zakk and his son Isaiah as models. The first piece, Sit was about understanding our position we’ve been given as a child of God because of the death and resurrection of Jesus and our faith in him. The Sit section has had the largest impact on me. Christianity begins with a big "DONE". "We began our Christian life by depending not upon our own doing but upon what he had done. Until a man does this he is no Christian." (p.15) Anything we do as a Christian always begins with a resting in God. "Sitting" is an attitude of rest. Our given position in Christ is with Christ seated at the right hand of God. Ephesians 1:17-21 and 2:6-9 There's a mystery and a wonder to such a precious perspective. “Walk” is about the application of our position in Christ. i.e. making life-giving choices. It's not about being "right" it's about the life within your decision. Everything Jesus did was redeeming and Jesus is our example to live life. It's not about winning an argument, it's loving the person you're arguing with before, during, and after the argument. That’s how Jesus lived his life and set an example for us to follow in his footsteps. Seeking to know him and walking with him daily in a loving relationship is the greatest satisfaction we could ever have. “Stand” is about abiding in our position in Christ. "Our task is one of holding, not of attacking. We do not fight for victory, we fight from victory" (pg. 55).