A good portion of my work is an intuitive response, rapidly laid down. This does not mean that the result seen on paper was altogether quick, though if you had watched this piece and others being birthed you might think so. What is visible is an end product of a long term simmering from my mind, spirit and body. The thoughts that collide toward and then into a particular working session, the prayers that have been raised and linger as I craft, and the arms and legs that labor this forward are mine.
But I live influenced and challenged in time by much around me; and that can be seen here too. Of particular note is an apprehension regarding the mystery of beauty. Apprehension is a carefully selected word, I’ve found. For beauty is hard to grasp, and it is so much bigger than my very best catches. Sometimes it even involves some awe, like being at the edge of a chasm. Add to this: mourning over so much that is broken, while still aiming to step forward. And finally, every piece I make comes out from a long term feeding in the words of Scripture that continually ground, re-set and then lift me.
The word “Selah” for example is used often in the emotive expressions found in the book of the Hebrew Psalms. The word seems by its usage to be a deliberate stop for pondering. “Pause and think of that!” is how the Amplified version translates “Selah.” It is a call therefore from the penitent to other listeners. We stand together on ground that is broken, but some of us are looking up and leaning forward, yearning for His appearing.
I’ve been in Colorado this past week: looking up, peering over chasms, stepping forward and strategizing with others who care about getting most important things broadcast in most effective ways. In spare moments, I’ve also been updating some data on this site towards my book launch. In that process, I’ve seen some older posts, sort of buried here where the images need updating. Work in Progress. This post above was written in 2013, and I decided to re-post it now as the ideas are still so current.
This piece, “Selah” was made in 2008, was juried into a show for the monotype guild of New England’s 3rd National Exhibition in 2013, where it hung for a time at the Barrington Center for the Arts at Gordon College in Wenham, MA.
Mary – Hello!
I am just beginning to read your book, mesmerized by the Preface and Introduction.
I am so excited by the premise of what you have put together and know I will come away enriched.
It also is a very attractive volume. You’ve every right to feel proud of this accomplishment!
God bless!
Lynn
thank-you Lynn! We don’t even know each other yet seem to connect so easily. Thanks so much for trying out a copy. Another friend just told me how much it is making her think and that she wants to take it slow to not miss that opportunity. That is super great to me! It may then be a catalyst. And yes it was self published finally, but I was so fortunate to be led to this great group in FL. who worked with me team-wise the whole last way thru. I will recommend them to anyone: EA Books–Partnership Publishing. They make good on their word and we worked hard together to get every jot and title as close as we could. Cheers this fine day, it is lovely here!