They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.”
Psalm 1:2-3
Artist Statement
I was inspired by this section of scripture which speaks of the value of meditating on the law of the Lord. It states that by doing this day and night, you will be like a tree planted by the river... strong and bearing fruit. With Christ and His Word as our foundation, we can prosper in His ways because of His goodness.
I used sepia ink in this drawing which highlights the tree and it's trunk. The roots reach into the river which gives it life and helps to nourish it, just like the Word of God gives us nourishment and instruction, giving us life and blessing us.
LAY YOUR PRAYERS ON THE ROCK
Original Digital Photo
From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2
Creed: Heidelberg Catechism
Artist Statement
I lovingly call these old mill ruins ‘church.’ They remind me of myself, a broken down vessel in need of grace and restoration. At this particular place I have whispered prayers, found refuge for contemplation and watched the seasons change. This photo was taken the day before the Russian invasion into Ukraine. I often collect leaves, rocks or spent blooms on my walks, and as I laid them out on this evening I heard in my spirit, "lay your prayers on the rock.” When I remember that moment or feel the nudge to lay it all down again, my spirit responds with “I will lay my prayers on the rock that is higher than I.”
PEACE
Oil on Canvas
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:18-21
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
1 Corinthians 2:12
Artist Statement
The Holy Spirit, we accept and take it in faith.
ILLUMINATED PIETA
Oil on Canvas
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
For it is you who lights my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.
Psalm 18:28
Artist Statement
His light guides us to the truth and path of righteousness.
OPEN ARMS
Oil on Canvas
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:7
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
Artist Statement
Christ’s acceptance with open arms to all who believe.
The Apostles Creed: “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And the life everlasting.” AMEN
Artist Statement
As I walk quietly in the dark forest created by God, I reflect upon life and its obstacles. As I meditate and pray on my journey, I see the sun's rays of hope peeking through the trees. I hear and see birds, animals, and flowers and streams. If you believe in God and have faith, your prayers will be answered and you will see the light at the end of the trail.
John 8:8 verse 12
“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
BEYOND THE NINTH STATION
Oil
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God.
Luke 6:20
Artist Statement
Route to Faith: Captured at La Jolla’s Star-by-the-Sea Church is the juxtaposition of a homeless man and the statue of Christ and Mary. Even in the midst of affluence, God will ultimately reward the poor.
PAMPLOMA
Oil
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Artist Statement
Route to Faith: Pressed by the crowd during the running of the bulls, the woman turns to Heaven sensing God will protect her in this moment of isolation.
JOYFUL NOISE
Oil
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Psalm 98:4
Artist Statement
Route to Faith: Seeing children from a small village in Malawi that possessed no running water, electricity, or sanitation demonstrate their thanks to God while celebrating the installation of a water well.
Artist Statement
My painting was inspired by a photo that I took at the beach recently. It reminded me of the awesome beauty that only God could create.
Artist Statement
I am a Nigerian Artist. I studied art at the Federal College of Education in Akoka, Lagos Nigeria. My works have been featured in museums and galleries around the world. I use acrylic on canvas and oil paint as my medium. I was trained by my father Emmanuel Ekong Ekefrey who is a renowned artist in Africa and Europe.
For there is hope for a tree: if it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail. Job 14:7
The Nicene Creed:
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Artist Statement
The inspiration behind this piece is God’s creation of a tree and its root source. We flourish because God is our root source.
Creed: Confession of Belhar
We believe…
Ephesians 2:13–20
...that Christ’s work of reconciliation is made manifest in the church as the community of believers who have been reconciled with God and with one another;
Ephesians 4:11–16, Psalm 133
...that unity is, therefore, both a gift and an obligation for the church of Jesus Christ; that through the working of God’s Spirit it is a binding force, yet simultaneously a reality which must be earnestly pursued and sought: one which the people of God must continually be built up to attain;
John 17:20–23
...that this unity must become visible so that the world may believe that separation, enmity and hatred between people and groups is sin which Christ has already conquered, and accordingly that anything which threatens this unity may have no place in the church and must be resisted;
Artist Statement
Isaiah 40:31 leaves me with thoughts of my friends with many years of life behind them. They are strong in their faith. They truly know that God has been and always will be with them. These dear friends give me confidence that God will always be here for us.
Artist Statement
Our environment serves as both a place to spread our roots and our routes into the world. We are truly dependent on our treatment of the fragile ecosystem in which we live.
Artist Statement
The Confession of Belhar highlights the unity found within the worldwide church. This 400 year old tree symbolizes the shelter found within the canopy that is the church when the various parts function together as God intended.
VIVA LA VIRGEN
Oil on Canvas
And he (the angel) came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. Luke 1:28
Artist Statement
Viva La Virgen Del Carmen, like many of my paintings, is a study of the interplay of light and shadows set on the backdrop of a powerful yet playful composition. It unabashedly draws the viewer by presenting a fun, pleasant, magic and irresistible world. It encourages the viewer to interpret and delight in the work and its subject matter and do so in his or her own way. While it is a seemingly whimsical ode to happiness and celebration, it ultimately is a deep personal search that stretches to the limit the bounds of composition and the portrayal of light.
The painting was inspired by a procession that passes annually through the streets of a small coastal city in Spain. It is a great conversational piece that celebrates our daily life, faith, tradition and fills whatever space it is placed in with joy and beauty!
THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS
Oil on Canvas
“Many women were also there.” Matthew 27:55
Artist Statement
The Descent from the Cross - like many of my paintings, is a study of the interplay of light and shadows set on the backdrop of a powerful yet playful composition. It unabashedly draws the viewer by presenting a fun, pleasant, magic and irresistible world. It encourages the viewer to interpret and delight in the work and its subject matter and do so in his or her own way. While it is a seemingly whimsical ode to happiness and celebration, it ultimately is a deep personal search that stretches to the limit the bounds of composition and the portrayal of light.
This painting was inspired by the thought that we are all His church.
THE LAST SUPPER
Oil on Canvas
“Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
Artist Statement
The Last Supper, like many of my paintings, is a study of the interplay of light and shadows set on the backdrop of a powerful yet playful composition. It unabashedly draws the viewer by presenting a fun, pleasant, magic and irresistible world. It encourages the viewer to interpret and delight in the work and its subject matter and do so in his or her own way. While it is a seemingly whimsical ode to happiness and celebration, it ultimately is a deep personal search that stretches to the limit the bounds of composition and the portrayal of light.
The painting was inspired by the thought of how the Holy Spirit viewed the last supper ... from above.
Artist Statement
Flowers appear on the earth: the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. Flowers adorn our heads, our homes, our clothing and our joy. Flowers live in our hearts expressing the perfume of love!
MUSIC OF LAKE JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
Oil
My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody.
Psalm 57:7
Artist Statement
Standing before my easel, at Jenny Lake, in the Teton National Park, my heart is guided by God's overwhelming beauty! 12,000 years ago the lake was formed by glaciers pushing rock debris which carved Cascade Canyon. The same as our Lord pushes us to become a new being!
RUBIES
Acrylic
I looked, and there was a white horse! Its rider had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer. Revelations 6:2
Artist Statement
My "self" emerges in art! Look at the elegance of the horse, speed of the horse, freedom of the horse. "Freedom" is my ultimate desire!
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19
Question 1, Heidelberg Catechism: What is your only comfort in life and death? That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ...
Artist Statement
Ode to COVID-19: Memories from the 1500s Black Plague. The mask was made from leather and the hooked horn was stuffed with herbs, garlic and roses which were believed to protect the wearer from the plague (I believe the garlic might have worked by forcing others to social distance). The same garlic, flowers and herbs were also tied around the neck and adorned the hats of the men going door to door collecting the bodies of those who died from the disease. History is a tool to learn about the past so our futures can be stronger and better. As a historian by education, I drew on the fear and panic of the Black Plague from the Middle Ages. With our own recent battle with COVID-19, we find history’s pattern repeating. During these difficult scary times we need to remember to draw closer to God and though fear is natural we must lean on the supernatural of God.
TRUTH MATTERS
Clay
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
From one man God made every nation of the human race, that they should inhabit the whole earth. Acts 17:26
Artist Statement
Truth Matters: The experiences of the past can create a more positive future for all. America’s strength, her resilience, and her very soul, are birthed from her diversity.
Historian by education and sculptor by vocation, my art draws on my love and study of history which is expressed in my sculpting. The richness of my life growing up in Michigan with summers spent on Lake Michigan in Petoskey, camping on the shores of Higgins Lake, as well as vacations spent at the ocean’s edge in Florida have given me a love of the tapestry of this incredible world. Now living in Georgia with her wonderful, deep history, I embrace what the future will reveal.
The Confession of 1967 touches on our human failings and how we can and should strive to reach a kinder, more equitable world. We must know the past, study our sins and then move forward into improving the lives of all people.
Judy B Smith, RPC Church Member & Ellen H. Foster, RPC Guest Harpist
Harp Music transcribed for two harps by Carlos Salzedo
Westminster Confession: Mans’ chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
“Do everything for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31
Artist Statement
I have always loved playing this duet. It just sounds like joy to me. Each time I play it with a fellow harpist, this music lifts my spirits.
Music is such an incredible gift from God! It has power to raise up the hearts of all who hear it and all who participate in playing it. It also offers the power to give back to its creator and to glorify God in all his majesty.
“Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6
SALT AND LIGHT
Pen and Ink
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
Artist Statement
Like an itch that needed to be scratched I've had the need to flex my creative muscles and make art for art sake. The past few years I've felt that making art was being self indulgent. As a wife and working mom of three teens, well resources were and still are limited. Still the itch was persistent.
Have you ever had a bible verse follow you around? Well in the quiet days after Christmas as I contemplate my goals for the next twelve months Matthew 5:13-16 started to appear in some likely and unlikely places. And on Sunday, January 9, Rev. Carrie Weatherford my intent became quite clear. The element of making art may feel very selfish, but through Jesus I am made worthy. God gave me many gifts. If I'm to live the way God made me to be then I'm to use this gift to shine not to be in the spotlight but so that others may see the light.
"Talent you don't claim turns into bitterness eventually." Jon Acuff
HOPE, PEACE, LOVE, JOY
Acrylic on Wood
HOPE
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19-20
JOY
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in you presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalms 16:11
LOVE
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
PEACE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Artist Statement
Hope, Joy, Love, Peace are the real gifts of Christmas.
Denim from old jeans, upholstery samples (spared from the trash), sticks, pages from hymnals, plastic bottles.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5
Artist Statement
This piece uses reclaimed materials. I felt this is appropriate because humans need to do more with what we have. To be reminded that in Him all things were made. Today's complex world has evolved to be so much more than in the beginning. It's nice to be reminded that our priorities should be to take care of the living things.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitters on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen
Artist Statement
More than once, the Apostles' Creed has made me think about my faith, what I believe, and I can appreciate how it explains the essence of Christmas and Easter so precisely.
This piece was done in the spirit of Howard Finster's faith driven creativity.
Learn more about Howard Finster
You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness. Psalm 65:11
Artist Statement
God's gifts abound in our daily lives to nourish our soles and our bodies.