Christianity and Art

Simple Transformation

I have had the delightful privileged of being on an art discussion panel with 3 other very accomplished artists in my community, at an event called Celebration of the Arts, held at my church. What a pleasure to listen, learn and share with them. Here is some of what I have come to know about my art and how it is interwoven with my faith.

Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are (transformed) much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.

2 Corinthians 3:18 ~The Message Bible

Parentheses mine

In the art piece, Simple Transformation, I have used a mixed media style to represent my own fibrous existence- layered, tattered and textured, plain as it is. This piece represents my own transformation into a creature created by God. The beauty and freedom of a butterfly reflects the qualities that God sees in me. It is with the ever presence of the Holy Spirit that I am able to emerge each day and reflect the iridescence of my own winged-spirit and give my praises back to the King of Glory.

One of the great responsibilities God bestowed to the the butterfly is pollination. In a symbolic way as a Christian, I am like the butterfly. I am called to drink in the nectar of God's word and His grace and then spread that essence to others through my own life, by my actions, my words, through grace and with love. I freely fly and give to others, for this is what I am called to do. This is why I was transformed and broken from my cocoon of sin and shame. I am to take this pollen of truth to others. Regardless of the type of flower. Regardless of where you come from, what your background is, how you have gotten to this point in time. Here, let me share with you what you need to emerge from your cocoon of sin and live transform into the creature God created you to be.

I have come to learn that for me, my art and my faith are inter-dependent. For without one I would not have the other. Alone they are ineffective. Together I can use this gift to spread the love and Gospel of Jesus and to bring beauty to a world in desperate need of knowing the Savior.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV