ebi_2ndpost_01-process768x768.jpg Loading Video . . . Part 2: Follow the process for creating this piece for Artist in Residence 2016 Romans 9:20-26 Artist in Residence 2016, Ebitenyefa Baralaye – Part 2 By Ebitenyefa Baralaye Credits: Curated by: Spark & Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2016 2016 Ceramic Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My second post is a continued reflection on the themes present in Romans 9:20-26. In fellowship recently I discussed with friends the understanding that ultimately everyone in the world is an eternal being with one of two destinations - in our outside of relationship with God. It could seem unfair to think that the choice of which destination one is destined for is not under individual control but controlled by the external will of God. Our good deeds and obedience fail to justify us before God for to him we are all broken vessels deserving of destruction because of sin. It is only in the person of Christ, his taking on the destruction (death as the penalty of sin) that we deserved, that broken vessels like myself, and all who confess him as Lord and Saviour, are turned into vessels for God’s use and glory. “Bam Bam” is a loose Caribbean slang term used to express trouble, exclamation or engagement in a range of carnal activities. I use it in titling this work as a general expression of humanity’s condition of brokenness and separation from God apart from Christ. The dome-shaped ceramic objects can be read as either a type of gravestone or a vessel. They are all composed of the same material with fractured seams and cracks. The difference between them is the maker’s/mover’s choice to flip and see them in one way or another. The Process The finalized and textured model ready for the production of a plaster press-mold. Making a two-part plaster press-mold from the clay model. I start by preparing one side/half first, followed by the other. The interior of the freshly made plaster press-mold. It is a negative form of my original clay model. The finished plaster press-mold! A layer of clay is pressed into each part of the two-part mold. Both parts of the clay within the mold are brought and blended together. After a little bit of drying time freshly pressed casts are removed from the mold and set out to dry. Dry casts ready for kiln firing! FINISHED WORK: All materials are copyrighted by the artist and used here by permission. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Ebitenyefa Baralaye is a ceramicist, sculptor and designer. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, raised in Antigua and lives in the United States. Ebitenyefa received his BFA in Ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design. His studio bases have included Long Island City, Queens; the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in New York City; and Bloomfield Hills, MI where he is currently enrolled as a Ceramics MFA candidate at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He has exhibited in various solo and group shows domestically and internationally including the 2011 Gyeonggi International Ceramix Biennale in Icheon, South Korea and the 2016 Toronto Design Festival. He has held residencies at the Peters Valley Crafts Center in Layton, NJ and most recently, Talking Dolls in Detroit, MI. Website Ebitenyefa Baralaye About the Artist Artist in Residence 2016, Ebitenyefa Baralaye – Part 3 Artist in Residence 2016, Ebitenyefa Baralaye – Part 1 David Abram Artist in Residence 2016: Ebitenyefa Baralaye – "Bam Bam" Ebitenyefa Baralaye Other Works By Follow the developmental journey of Ebitenyefa’s project by reading his FIRST , SECOND , THIRD and FINAL posts written as a 2016 Artist in Residence. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . So, about that whole ‘end of the world thing.’ About concentricity. Find the complete progression of the work linked below. Revelation 9:10-20 Revelation 11:3-7 Isaiah 8:11 Proverbs 4:23 Artist in Residence 2017: Lily Maase Part 3 By Lily Maase This album contains some strong language, references to violence, and allusions to drug use, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Discretion is advised. Credits: Composed, Written, and Performed By Lily Maase. 2017 Curated by: Spark & Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2017 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link September 11, 2017 So, about that whole ‘end of the world thing.’ About concentricity. Nine months after I first laid him to rest, I went on a brief vacation to finally (FINALLY) visit my father’s grave. It was a wild time, which is saying something when you have been going to your quiet desert hometown every summer since you left at the age of seventeen. I had no car, no instrument, no plans, and very little money. As a result I had a beautiful time carving new paths through achingly familiar terrain. It was late July in the desert. I lived in an airstream trailer in the middle of a sculpture garden, right in the heart of the city, the guest of complete strangers just miles from where I was born. I allowed myself to break rules that I didn’t know I had been clinging to until I broke them. I bathed outdoors in a shower made of reeds and wire (I am notoriously private); took up company with a man I met at a karaoke night (I absolutely detest karaoke, and I have spent the time since my father passed preferring the company of absolutely no-one); spent a week away from my instrument (to me, the guitar is basically the perfect drug); and I allowed myself to grieve. My father’s final home is beautiful. It was a blessing to be there and to find that so many had left gifts and flowers in my absence. I got back to New York feeling a little bit like I was master of my own universe after a long and harrowing dream. Balanced. In control for a minute. Somewhat clean. So, naturally, there were two notices on my doors — one at my apartment and one at my place of work. Both my buildings had been sold or rezoned and I would have to vacate each by the end of August. So the world ended. MY world ended. Again. Eleven years building a life in the big city, and it came undone in as little as a week. Ultimately I think this is going to be okay. Change comes in waves — just the way my music seems to come in waves — and this one had been a long time coming. But it was crushing. I dealt with it by doing everything expressly the way I wouldn’t have before my father died: I gave up, and I let the tide take me. Apocalypse, all systems go. Let’s do this. The last thing I did before leaving was sit with the gentlemen in the band that has been painstakingly assembling this music with me since January. We sat in a circle in my studio — so lovingly built, now marked for death — looked each other in the eyes and sang this song that written with the pillars in mind, bearing witness to the end. The music has been finished and recorded for some time. This was the first time we had all heard the words. Composed, Written, and Performed by Lily Maase. 2017 Read: 1975 (working title) lyrics I packed up my home, left an alarming number of things behind, and drove myself back down to the desert. Mostly I saved guitars, art acquired during my journeys around the world, and the clothes that I am fondest of wearing when I’m onstage. The Devil can take the rest. I am also learning (somehow) to occasionally enjoy karaoke. I’ll be fine. Since my father died, I have lost what felt like everything several times. The dark, greasy, bottomless kinds of loss. Losses that change you. Losses that can break you. I have discovered that I am afraid of nothing except for enduring the same loss more than once. The only way to be fearless is to continue allowing yourself to overcome the things that scare you most. In this way, the world will never truly end. Because the world is you. Today, I know in my bones, I am the strongest I have ever been. Apocalypse, all systems go. I’ll be fine. Just watch me. My faith is strong. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Lily Maase is a rock, country, jazz and classical guitarist raised in New Mexico, educated at the University of North Texas, and living in Brooklyn, New York. She is contributing writer for Premier Guitar Magazine and has contributed to Guitar World and Guitar World’s Acoustic Nation, who recently lauded her as a “master guitar teacher.” She is the founder and owner of Brooklyn GuitarWorks, a workshop-oriented center for guitar and bass guitar education located in Williamsburg. Lily is the lead guitarist, musical director and bandleader with the Rocket Queens all-female tribute to Guns N Roses and the Suite Unraveling (Tzadik). She is the lead guitarist with Gato Loco, and is endorsed by Godin Guitars. Her playing has been featured by Vans.com, Maxim.com, Guitar World’s Acoustic Nation, Teen Vogue, and Elle Magazine. Website Lily Maase About the Artist Artist in Residence 2017: Lily Maase Part 1 Artist in Residence 2017: Lily Maase Part 2 Artist in Residence 2017: Lily Maase Look Out Below Lily Maase Other Works By Follow Lily's project's development throughout the year by reading her previous first , second and final posts. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Krzysztof Sokolovski Alpha And Omega 1 Krzysztof Sokolovski, Sacral Abstraction: Alpha And Omega (Detail) Loading Video . . . Through abstract images Lithuanian artist Krzysztof Sokolovski develops his theory of Neosacred Art as evidenced by his meditation on Revelation 1:17. Revelation 1:17 Sacral abstraction: Alpha and Omega By Krzysztof (Christoph) Sokolovski Credits: Curated by: Alina Potemska 2016 Chalk and ink on oak plank Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My work's concept is based on capturing a moment of static time that you can imagine during the awareness of contemplation from start and end at one point. This beginning and end is Jesus Christ himself. It can be difficult to read this abstract image since it is devoid of similarities to material forms. However, in my opinion, these abstract forms are such that correspond to the philosophy, principles and expectations of sacred art: it is free of rationalization and has only the task of recalling spiritual and metaphysical experience. The abstract form of art can serve sacral art in drawing out spiritual meaning and getting to the main idea because it skips all the issues connected with interpretation, understanding symbols, cultural questions or technological problems of image. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Krzysztof (Christoph) Sokolovski was born 1985 in Ejszyszki, Lithuania. He graduated from Gdansk University of Technology (Engineering) and the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (Faculty of Painting). He also took a course of clinical anatomy at the Medical University of Gdansk. In 2015 he started as a PhD student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw (Faculty of Painting), doing easel painting as well as monumental. Additionally, Krzysztof draws illustrations for anatomical atlases. Having created the concept of Neosacred Art, Krzysztof Sokolovski engages in active artistic and theoretical work. He has been the recipient of a list of awards and achievements throughout his artistic career thus far. Website Krzysztof (Christoph) Sokolovski About the Artist Krzysztof (Christoph) Sokolovski Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

The Body without the Spirit Only with Half a Heart Removed the Abomination Loading Video . . . In this third installment of the project collectively entitled "The Body without the Spirit," visual artist Nicora Gangi assembles her responses to 2 Chronicles 25:2 and 2 Chronicles 34:33. 2 Chronicles 34:33 2 Chronicles 25:2 The Body without the Spirit | 3 By Nicora Gangi Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2021 11 x 14 inches Paper Collage Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link About "Only With Half A Heart" (from 2 Chronicles 25:2) After Amaziah returned from the slaughtering the Edomites that he brought (back with him) the gods of the sons of Seir, set them up as his gods, bowed down before them, and burned incense to them. (2 Chronicles 25:14, NASB 1977) Amaziah did not keep the laws of God with a whole heart. He fought against the Edomites, but the attraction to the their idols is evidence of his half-hearted devotion to God. He demonstrated only an appearance of doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord's people. He initially went along with the religion in his kingdom, but he was not himself a man of serious piety or devotion. He was lukewarm in his love for the Lord and demonstrated a serious disrespect for God. In the book of Revelation, John writes a letter to the Laodicean Church where Jesus condemns the lukewarm-hearted devotion of His church: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of MY mouth. (Revelation 3:14, NASB 1977) The image I created is of the outside of a white-washed temple, inspired from Jesus' condemnation of the religious leaders' hypocrisy in Matt. 23:27 . The doorway is capped by two horned heads looking in opposite directions. The 'non-door' opening reveals a space filled with flying bats amongst a darkened starry night. Amaziah's halfhearted devotion is filled with vile creatures and darkened space. About "Removed the Abominations" (from 2 Chronicles 34:33) Josiah "did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father David and did not turn aside to the right or to the left." He had "removed all the abominations from all the lands belonging to the sons of Israel and made all who were present in Israel to serve the Lord their God." Josiah was a living testimony of a king who obeyed the Law. The people under his rule were well taught. The priests serving in the temple taught God's chosen people to learn the Law and obey it. From as early of an age of twelve years old, Josiah covenanted to keep God's commandments with all his heart and he urged the people to consent likewise: to promise to keep everything in the Law. In all of Josiah's days as king, the people did not depart from following the Lord. Josiah's reign as king were days of restraint. This piece represents the finished activity of the destruction of all the abominations in the land. The image of angels, central in the piece, are symbols of Josiah's obedience to God. The idols are represented by the ghost-like creatures at the bottom of the edge of the image while the temple is alluded to by the floor plan. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Nicora Gangi was educated at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA (BFA 1974 and MFA 1976). She was a Professor of Art at Syracuse University for 29 years. Gangi has been awarded many Grand Prize and First Place awards and grants. She has been and continues to be published in numerous artist’s books on pastel paintings. She has lectured regionally and nationally as a visiting artist at universities and artist’s guilds. She is represented by: Edgewood Gallery (Syracuse, NY), and Gangi Studio (Winter Garden, FL ). Website Nicora Gangi About the Artist The Mountain of the House of The Lord I See Him but Not Now So Shall Your Descendants Be This One The Body without the Spirit | 1 The Body without the Spirit | 2 The Sealed Ones Peace with God The Everlasting Protective Love of God Our Father When the Lord Gives Us The Land I See Him but Not Now The Mountain of the House of The Lord Paneled and Ruins Series The Harvest Spirit of God-The Spirit Hovering Memories Lies Fool Dance Your Truth from the Great Congregation Psalm 18 Sound of Their Wings Psalm 16 Kiss the Son EAST, WEST, NORTH & SOUTH AT HIS TABLE Nicora Gangi Other Works By View the other two posts in this collection at: The Body without the Spirit | 1 The Body without the Spirit | 2 Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . The phrase “a chasing after the wind” occurs five times within the passages I have selected. This short dance video was created in reflection to that phrase. My creative process is about responsiveness rather than execution. In my first post for this residency I wrote out a clear artistic goals for myself. Find the complete progression of the work linked below. Ecclesiastes 1:8-18 Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 Ecclesiastes 3:11 Ecclesiastes 6:7-12 Ecclesiastes 8:6-17 Artist in Residence 2016: Stephanie Miracle Part 3 By Stephanie Miracle Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2016 2016 Dance Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link September 19, 2016 The phrase “a chasing after the wind” occurs five times within the passages I have selected. This short dance video was created in reflection to that phrase. My creative process is about responsiveness rather than execution. In my first post for this residency I wrote out a clear artistic goals for myself. But over these several months I can see that my work takes a less direct path. For all of the work in progress videos I had intended to use locations near my home in Essen, Germany; but while at an artist residency in Ghent, NY I spent several days collecting video of me dancing in the fields. After looking at the material I began to see a connection to the texts in Ecclesiastes and it sent me on a journey of questions: Is chasing after the wind a bad thing? Is it meaningless in that is cannot see what you are after?> Is it meaningless because it is un-catch able? What or who is the wind? Is the wind strong or gentle and thin? Should the wind move us? In this video I am seeking after something, something that is not seen. My movement is often passive, not extremely vigorous. I see that I am grasping at something. I move the camera in search of “it”. The days I worked in the fields the air was thin. I did not have much to clutch. I did not feel the wind on my skin or through the trees. Where did you go, wind? from Stephanie Miracle on Vimeo . Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Stephanie Miracle is an American born independent choreographer and performer currently based in Essen, Germany with her husband visual artist Jimmy Miracle. She earned her MFA in Dance at the University of Maryland and a BA in Dance from Belhaven University. She is also a teacher of Klein Technique™ and holds prestigious honor of being a 2014/15 German Fulbright Fellow in the Performing Arts. In 2015 she joined as a full-time dancer with the Folkwang Tanzstudio/FTS. In addition to performing with the company she often works in collaboration with Henrietta Horn (DE), Carla Jordao (PT), Ana Farfan (MX), Paola Ponti, (IT) and Anna Shchkleina (RU). She is the director of Fakers Club, a site-specific performance experiment based on film and serial television. Stephanie's choreography has been described as “iconic and nuanced…with an irreverence that makes you smile unconsciously”(Rick Westerkamp, 2014). Often in vivid technicolor, Miracle’s works are crafted with a cinematic sensibility and follow subtle narrative threads. In addition to creating choreographies for traditional proscenium theaters her unique aesthetic finds special significance in common spaces for example, parking lots, bus stops, woman's prisons, hallways, staircases, and rooftops. in Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Russia, New York City, and Washington DC by various institutions including MetLife Foundation, Exchange Festival, Dance Place, Supernoval Festival, Open Look Festival, Performatica, Belhaven University, ES WIRD SOGAR SCHÖN, Barnes Crossing, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Other awards include the Smith Scholarship Grant to attend ImPulsTanz in 2012, dance artist-in-residence at OMI International Residency 2012, DC Innovation grant in 2013, Bates Dance Festival Merit Scholarship 2013, Goldhaber Travel Scholarship 2014, and NextNOW new work grant 2014. Her collaborative piece “Drafting Plan” was awarded Best Duo at Barnes Crossing Festival 2015 in Cologne and at the 2016 SzoloDuo Festival in Budapest. She is honored to be a 2016 Artist in Residence at Spark and Echo Arts. Website Stephanie Miracle About the Artist Artist in Residence 2016: Stephanie Miracle Part 1 Artist in Residence 2016: Stephanie Miracle Part 2 Treasure Heart Artist in Residence 2016: Stephanie Miracle Stephanie Miracle Other Works By Follow the developmental journey of Stephanie's project by reading her first , second , and final post as a 2016 Artist in Residence. I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted. I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;the more knowledge, the more grief. (Ecclesiastes 1:14-18) Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied. What advantage have the wise over fools? What do the poor gain by knowing how to conduct themselves before others? Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 6:7-9) Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Musician Angelo Spagnolo created this song, a transformed man, in response to Matthew 11:15-17 and the theme of "Dancing." Matthew 11:15-17 a transformed man By Angelo Spagnol Credits: Written, Composed, and Performed by Angelo Spagnolo Curated by: Evan Mazunik 2013 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link No matter how many times Jesus talked about it in the Gospels, the Good News seemed to be something that people couldn't quite wrap their minds around. I imagine Jesus after just being raised from the dead, strapped with a headset-mic, shouting with the vigor of an aerobics instructor: "C'mon people! It's me, you see! GET UP AND DANCE!" But the people still doubted and very few of them actually end up dancing. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Angelo Spagnolo (born October 1, 1987) is an American artist who works with music, sculpture and a variety of image-making media. He is currently the composer/guitarist/singer for In One Wind and performs in Lily and the Parlour Tricks. Angelo is also an active music teacher in New York City. http://angelocspagnolo.blogspot.com/ Website Angelo Spagnol About the Artist Angelo Spagnol Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Artist Luwalhati responds to the women who witnessed the miracles in Matthew 26:56 through her piece titled, International Flower Bath. Matthew 27:56 International Flower Bath By Luwalhati . Credits: Curated by: Whitney Keitt 2023 45 x 60 centimeter Ink on sculptured paper mounted on painted wood Ink Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome (the mother of Zebedee's sons) are women who are very present in the life of Jesus. They are women who "followed Jesus" and who also ministered to him. Women are often paralleled to flowers. There are many characteristics that encompass a woman that a flower cannot contain but since early history until this contemporary time, the beauty and strength of a flower will always be connected to a woman. And yes to her physical beauty but more deeply to the beauty of her soul! One flower's beauty is enough to take our breath away! A flower is already beautiful by simply being present, but it is not at all a simple presence. It is a presence that gives gratuitously and brings healing. When the times are the hardest, Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome did not abandon Jesus. They were present near or far. They want him to know that they were there. The beauty of flowers gives to the fullest even if their lives are very fleeting. Sometimes they give a smile to a sick friend or they give pollen to bees, bring life to the ecosystem and abundance to humanity. Flowers bring life! Women bring life! I created this painting's patterns & textures from flower emblems of countries that played a meaningful part in my journey as a woman and artist. I celebrate these wonderful women of the Bible with these life-giving flowers!!! Philippines-Sampaguita France - Iris Greece - Bear's Breech Germany - Knapweed Switzerland- Edelweiss China - Plum Blossom Iceland - Mountain Avens U.S.A. - Rose As you look closer to the painting, you will also see a traditional way of how some women take their bath in nations around the world. As my husband said, it is a simple feminine pose that encaptures viewers as does the elegant design of floral tapestry! Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Luwalhati's paintings interpret and capture the patterns, colors and play of light that nature brings, from the coral reefs of the 7,641 islands of the Philippines to the beautiful snow-covered French Alps, which leads her to see and tell stories of another world that she imagines and longs for. She wants to integrate her background and influence as an interior designer with her passion for fine arts. Her intuition, observations and studies led her to create her series of semi-abstract and abstract paintings with layers of colors and textures through her personal technique of ink on sculptured paper. This is one aspect of her repertoire but she also creates playful illustrations of fantasy and reality. Luwalhati recently came back to the Philippines after 8 years of living and working in Paris, France as a missionary artist. Life is now fuller and busier since the artist married the poet. And this particular poet has 3 darling children who lost their previous mom to cancer. So, they are now settled in the beautiful island of Bohol where you can also visit her humble studio that pairs as an airbnb. Website Luwalhati . About the Artist The Already and Not yet Luwalhati . Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . "Surrogate" is a song and soundscape dwelling on a deeply difficult decision made by a Sarai and Abram in Genesis 16:1-2. Genesis 16:1-2 Surrogate By Jonathon Roberts Credits: Performed by Jonathon Roberts Artist Location: New York City Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2011 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar; so she said to Abram, "The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her." Abram agreed to what Sarai said. This song imagines a modern couple in this situation. While his wife is busy showering in another room, a husband prepares to propose a similar solution as the one Sarai and Abram navigated. The great thing about exploring the Bible using music or other time-based art is that it can stretch out moments that are hugely significant yet only represented by a few verses. It also helps us understand and empathize with people from a seemingly very distant time and culture. The artwork accompanying this piece is a detail of a painting entitled "Premonition" by Charis Carmichael Braun, used by permission. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection J onathon Roberts is a composer and sound designer for games, film, theatre, and ensembles. His style grew out of classical and jazz training, and evolved through quality life adventures: touring the country in an RV with a one person theater piece on the Apostle Paul, living in Brooklyn with an improv music ensemble, performing in a downtown NYC absurdist comedy band, and a long stint writing music for the renowned slot machine company, High 5 Games. He has released four albums including the latest, Cities a song cycle personifying biblical cities. He created the popular podcast/web series ComposerDad Vs. Bible , in which ComposerDad accepts intense compositional challenges from a mysterious Bible while out with his kids. He frequently collaborates on music and theater projects with his wife, actor Emily Clare Zempel. They live in Beacon, NY, with their two boys and a tangled box of electrical cords. www.jonathonroberts.com Website Jonathon Roberts About the Artist Loving Arms I Make Tents The Sower Response There Is Room These are My Sons Consider Me a Partner Weakness The Day Is Almost Here Babbler Remember Me Prayer How Beautiful I Am a Fool The Constant Ecclesiastes Cows Blessing Fools for Christ More Than Rubies Only a Few Years Will Pass Dear Friend Jonathon Roberts Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

suarez_final.jpg Loading Video . . . I plan on making a duet for two women inspired by the Book of Ruth. I imagine it will be around 20 minutes in length. I’m still in the reading, thinking and dreaming stage of my process. I will begin rehearsals in early May. I’m eager to get into the studio with these two dancers to begin our physical investigation. Find the complete progression of the work linked below. Ruth 1:16-17 Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 1 By Christine Suarez Credits: Curated by: Spark & Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2015 2015 Dance Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link March 23, 2015 I plan on making a duet for two women inspired by the Book of Ruth. I imagine it will be around 20 minutes in length. I’m still in the reading, thinking and dreaming stage of my process. I will begin rehearsals in early May. I’m eager to get into the studio with these two dancers to begin our physical investigation. Months ago my neighbor happened to tell me about a song her Rabbi sings. Ruth’s words: “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” It brought tears to me eyes. What beautiful faith! What conviction! That was my entry point for this work – moved by a complete willingness to give everything up for another. I find the story of Ruth and Naomi fascinating in many ways. I’m deeply moved by Ruth’s unrelenting loyalty and by Naomi’s feelings of forsaken abandonment from God. I wonder how these can exist side by side. What is each of their motivations? Ruth expresses her emotions nakedly to Naomi – pledging her undying devotion and willingness to give everything up for her. And Naomi basically ignores her or rather does not accept Ruth’s pledges as any comfort. Naomi repeatedly publicly expresses how she is alone (“the hand of the Lord is against me”). The end of the story does not resolve this tension. It is left very open to interpretation. I am curious about the structural composition to the Book as well. There are two moments of formal poetry within the Book: Ruth’s devotional speech and Naomi’s declaration of desertion upon entering Bethlehem. How are these two moments of poetry in dialogue with each other? I’m reading many interpretation of this story: Jewish scholars, humanity scholars and Christian scholars. I’m looking at classical art inspired by the story including works by William Blake. The more I read, the more questions I have. Is this a political parable? Is it a story of mystical symbolism? What is the significance of the poetry vs. the prose within the Book? How are these questions going to translate into a dance-theater work? I don’t totally know. But I do know that as a creator I need to deeply connect with my subject matter. I can relate more to Naomi’s struggle and her blindness to the gifts that Ruth is offering her. I have felt very, very alone at points in my life unable to connect with God (and other people). In fact I have at times felt like God was punishing me. At this point I am most interested in the relationship of Ruth and Naomi and each of their internal emotional landscapes. Together with the dancers, we will start by finding ways to physicalize these emotional landscapes. We will work towards translating the relationship of these two women into the corporeal using space, time and sound. I can’t wait to share more of my process with you. It is such a privilege. Thank you! If you have any thoughts or responses, please feel free to email me at suarezdance@gmail.com. Samples of Christine’s previous work: From Mother , Photo by Christine Suarez From Mother, Photo by Lori Teague From Motherhood Redux, Photo by Thomas Cox From Dances in Public Parks, Photo by Paul Antico From Spark and Echo Arts: The joy of our heart has ceased; Our dance has turned into mourning. An Excerpt from Mother Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Christine Suarez is a Los Angeles-based choreographer, performer and educator. Born in Caracas, Venezuela and raised in Baton Rouge Louisiana, Christine made her first works of choreography to the Grease soundtrack. Since then she has created eleven evening-length dance-theater works, numerous site-specific and community events and close to a dozen dances for the theater and film, along with teaching, creating and performing at school sites all over the U.S. While living in New York City from 1994-2006, her work was presented at various venues including Danspace Project, P.S. 122, HERE, Joyce SoHo and Dixon Place. In 1998 she founded SuarezDanceTheater, a not-for-profit, ensemble of dancers, actors and musicians. SuarezDanceTheater examines the unexpected – creating dance-theater in unexpected places with unexpected people about unexpected subjects. Christine and company were Artists in Residence at Tribeca Performing Arts Center from 2003-2006. Her work has toured nationally and internationally to over 20 cities. Her work happens in theaters, houses, parks, Churches, galleries, sidewalks and beaches. She collaborates with multi-generational performers along with parents, children, veterans, high school students and teen mothers. Since relocating to Los Angeles, she has been invigorated by making dances in unexpected places. Wet Spots (2008) was a site-specific performance about female orgasm that she created in collaboration with a multi-generational cast of women. The Los Angeles Times called it “ingeniously crafted…poignant…hilarious.” She has organized community dance participatory performances in parks, beaches and classrooms in partnership with city governments, community based organizations and schools. She has also been touring Wet Spots: Solo to Tallinn, Estonia, Movement Research at Judson Church (New York City), The Garage (San Francisco), Emory University (Atlanta, GA), The A.W.A.R.D. Show! (REDCAT). Most recently she premiered her new evening length work MOTHER . at the Motion Pacific at the Santa Cruz Fringe Festival and Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica, CA. As an educator, Christine has worked at public schools all over the New York City and Los Angeles area. She has been a guest teacher/choreographer at California State University San Marcos, California State University Los Angeles, Emory University, Indiana University, Southeastern University of Louisiana and Louisiana State University. She holds an MFA in choreography from UCLA’s World Arts and Cultures Department and a BA in Theater and English Literature from Emory University. She is a government contractor co-creating a dance program for Veterans at The School for Better Living, a psycho-social research initiative a the West Los Angeles VA Hospital. She also works as a teaching artist with the HeArt Project. She has been awarded grants from the Center for Cultural Innovation, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Puffin Foundation, Meet the Composer, the Association for Hispanic Arts, JP Morgan Chase Regrant, the Field and the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center. She is honored to be a Hispanic Scholarship Fund/Cheech Marin Endowed Scholarship Scholar and recipient of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund McNamara Family Creative Arts Projects Grant. (Photo by CedarBough Saeji) www.suarezdance.org Website Christine Suarez About the Artist Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 2 Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 3 The joy of our heart has ceased; Our dance has turned into mourning. Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Christine Suarez Other Works By Follow the developmental journey of Christine's project by reading her second , third and final post written over the course of the year. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

joshua-sterlin-jackson_daily-bread.jpg Loading Video . . . Artist Joshua Sterlin Jackson constructed this work to draw out a sense of what is felt when meditating as described in Psalm 1:2. Psalms 1:2 Daily Bread By Joshua Jackson Credits: Curated by: Marlanda Dekine 2017 11 x 14 inches Acrylic on Canvas Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link In this piece I used cool tones and free-flowing colors that move in abstract directions to produce a feel of peace and meditation. Praying hands over the Bible symbolize one's meditation on Scripture. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Joshua Sterlin Jackson is a visual artist of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Josh creates art with the intentions to move people emotionally and mentally all the while creating the ‘wow factor’. When Josh creates his works he uses high contrast, subjects, and boldness of color to appeal to viewers. Josh states that art is a fun challenge more than it is an expressive outlet. His style of work expresses his personality and creative mindset naturally. He works in mediums ranging from pencil sketches to life size mural paintings. Currently Josh works as a freelance artist and participates in various shows and galleries. His goal is to bring growth to the arts to his city! Website Joshua Jackson About the Artist Joshua Jackson Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . This rich painting and its accompanying poem of the same title both examine the relationship of Moses as an intermediary between God and the Israelites from Deuteronomy 5:6-22. Deuteronomy 5:6-22 Moses and The Commandments By ShAy Black Credits: Creative Writing Genre: Poetry Curated by: Davelyn Hill 2021 30 x 40 inches Mixed Media, Acrylic Paint, Gold Paper Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link How does one use paint to artistically talk about the ten commandments? Great question. The answer is: by starting off intuitively with pure mark-making , adding mixed media and acrylic paint using a lot of light and darkness. "Moses and The Commandments" explores the relationship between God, Moses and the Israelites. The background is a mixture of red, blue, black and gold signifying the appearance of the wilderness. Moses, painted larger than life, assumes the role of himself as the physical representation of the Israelites. Moses told his people: "The Lord gave us these commands and only these" (Deuteronomy 5:22). He embodies all that is good from God; his honor indicated in the painting by a slight tilting of his head which also corresponds to him looking over his people. I wanted the shimmering of rays to personify God's presence speaking from the dark, fiery clouds. I created the tablets out of gold paper — translating what was spoken from God and written on the stone tablets. The Ten Commandments are the golden rules for living; by which we demonstrate our love for God and others. My mother instilled in us love, compassion and selfless service. The biggest lesson I remember her saying was: "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself." She truly had a love for people. A woman after God's own heart. I am learning to be as gentle as her by continuing to carry Moses' torch, adhering as closely as possible to God's commandments. These simple orders of instruction are used to maintain peace and harmony among people. The image of Moses in this painting remembers his obedience and sacrifice to be used by God. He is a constant reminder of how much sacrifice he endured for his people in the wilderness. His obedience shows through his eyes: the desire to love and be loved by God. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Sharon Black (also known as ShAy Black) is a poet, visual and spoken word artist. She creates her work from her home studio, ShAy Black Expressions of Everything Art LLC, in Greenville, South Carolina. After returning home from deployment in 2004, she decided to pursue her passion in all art forms. She specializes in mixed media, abstract and pictorial paintings, utilizing acrylic, and watercolor. ShAy also creates metal and clay sculptures. She received her Bachelor of Fine Art from Converse College. Her work is on display at her website, www.iamshayblack.com . She has been a part of two poetry slam teams “Say What” in Greenville, SC 2019 and Team Injustice in Spartanburg, SC 2018. She has featured her poetry at Wits End Poetry in Greenville, SC, Blues Boulevard in Spartanburg, SC, Poetry in Hiphop in Greenville, SC, Blue Note Poetry in Columbia, SC, and Bless The Mic, in Columbia, SC. Her art has been displayed at Reys, Spartanburg Library, Converse College Milligan Art Gallery, Greenville Technical College, Artistry Gallery, Metropolitan Arts Council and The Art House art walk. She also won a Wits End Poetry end of the month Slam 2019. ShAy writes and paints with the aim to inspire others to become their own inspiration, like herself, who manages loss, depression, and anxiety with her art. Her poetry and paintings symbolize the beauty of life’s imperfections, self-love and the magic of undying hope. Instagram: @iamshayblack Facebook: @TheOfficialIAmShAyBlackFan Website ShAy Black About the Artist ShAy Black Other Works By Read the accompanying poem. Moses-and-The-Commandments-by-ShAy-Black.docx .pdf Download PDF • 56KB Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Video installation artist Kristen Studioso responds to the theme of "Fools" from Ecclesiastes 2:14-16 with her video installation. Ecclesiastes 2:14-16 Stairs By Kristen Studioso Credits: Curated by: Janna Aliese 2013 Art Installation Video Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Ecclesiastes intrigues me, for the way it seeks answers, only to conclude none exist. That none have ever existed- and that neither have the questions. These verses in particular correspond to an experience I had while traveling with a mentor in Prague. As we climbed a narrow, spiral staircase to a cathedral's highest point, we talked of the monotony- or meditation- of so many, seemingly ceaseless stairs. The stone steps, worn by years of use, seemed to provoke questions. What did we do before elevators? Why did we want to climb these stairs? The steps, tired and cold, offered no answers. Or questions of their own. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Kristen Studioso is a video installation artist living and working in New York City. She holds bachelors degrees in Philosophy and Studio Art from Bethel University (2009), and recently finished her MFA at Hunter College (2012). Since then, Kristen has had a solo show at First Things (Sept. 2012), and has participated in various screenings, including at Entwine and ConArtist (both NYC) and during Rundgang at UDK (Berlin). Additionally, Kristen showcased her work in the inaugural VIP MFA Art Show. At present, she is continuing her individual work and also collaborating in writing, curating, and creating with fellow artist, Matthew Cianfrani. Website Kristen Studioso About the Artist Kristen Studioso Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work