MARKERS; Key Themes for Soul Survival
Visuals nudge, prompt and sometimes awaken, but words can guide with more specificity. I would be content to work with just images, but the times we’re in are pressing me and hurting others. It took 6 years to birth this, but one of my editors said “I think you’ve been writing this book all your life.” It comes from my own heart, is part of my own story. But in a much larger way, what is laid down here is about anyone’s ultimate journey going forward: that which your own soul needs to find. My book is a primer into the grand story of the Bible as recorded through various cultures and personalities. God leads through – with words, with images, with echoing markers to the good plan set out from the beginning. I invite you to take a look and then a read.
(Click on the cover to read a sample.)
Certain digital versions of Markers have not included my appendix on prophecy. You can find it here: PDF Appendix.
Introducing a new release:
“The Songs of Ascent; Images and Reflections by Mary Nees”
I have long endeavored to simplify with one painterly ‘snapshot’ various gleanings from what I read and then ponder. Some ideas which simmer in my head are really hard to gather into an adequate image; I’ve had many frustrating failures. But other times things just flow. For me the aims I really want to illustrate are best set up on a landscape ground. That is at least the starting point for rendering the mood or thrust of an important concept.
For 30 years now I have read, sketched and worked toward understanding a series of psalms which were sung as a unit. These 15 psalms are titled “The Songs of Ascent” and ancient Hebrews would sing these on their way up to their temple for yearly feasts. Sung together this set is a progressive cantata which has a rhythm that deepens as the pilgrim climbs higher.
I completed a set of 15 oil paintings in 2020 which symbolizes in color and gesture this progression. All 15 are now in private collections. However, a friend helped me format my images into book form so the 15 could still be enjoyed together. This is the beautiful result which includes some sketch work and end notes explaining my process and engagement with each psalm. Rendered contemporarily then is this ancient and universal story of struggle, reliance and rest. You can preview this collection here.