suarez_final.jpg Loading Video . . . Since my last post I’ve made headway on a couple of fronts. I am thrilled to share that I will be the Studio Artist-in-Residence at 1450 Ocean through the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division. From July 13-August 31, I will have free access to a studio to further incubate this project. The studio has gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and is blocks from my home! I can’t wait! At the end of the residency we will offer an informal showing of the work to the public. Find the complete progression of the work linked below. Ruth 1:16-17 Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 2 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 June 22, 2015 Since my last post I’ve made headway on a couple of fronts. I am thrilled to share that I will be the Studio Artist-in-Residence at 1450 Ocean through the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division. From July 13-August 31, I will have free access to a studio to further incubate this project. The studio has gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and is blocks from my home! I can’t wait! At the end of the residency we will offer an informal showing of the work to the public. I have also begun rehearsals with my two collaborators: dance artists, Carol McDowell and Rebeca Hernandez. We started with reading and discussing the Book of Ruth together. We have been uncovering a lot of scholarship around the Book of Ruth. Here is an excerpt from some of research that we find particularly fascinating: “In scene one ( 1:1–22 ) Ruth emerges in tension with her culture. She marries outside her own people, disavows the solidarity of her family, abandons her national identity, and renounces her religious affiliation. In the entire biblical epic of Israel, only Abraham approaches this radicalness, but then he had a call from God ( Gen, 12:1–3 ) and also a wife. Ruth stands alone, without support human or divine. Moreover, she reverses sexual allegiance. A young woman commits herself to an old woman in a world where life depends upon men.” By Phyllis Trible ( http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/ruth-bible ) We are also finding much inspiration from paintings of this story. This video is a sketch of material that we’ve created using about a dozen paintings of Naomi and Ruth. We are discovering this entry point to be rich. It is becoming clear that this project is about relationships: Ruth and Naomi’s relationship, their relationship with God, and their relationships to their nation, culture and religion. More soon! And please if you have any thoughts or responses, I welcome them! Email me at info@suarezdance.org. 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 3 Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Part 1 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 first , third and final post written over the course of the year. 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Loading Video . . . These Are My Sons, by Jonathon Roberts, explores the life of David as reflected through his children and picks out the themes of "Lies" and "Genealogies" from the texts of: 2 Samuel 3:2-5 (Genealogy) 2 Samuel 5:1-16 (David becomes King) 2 Samuel 13:1-34 (Amnon rapes Tamar, Absalom kills Amnon) 2 Samuel 18:9, 14-15 (Absalom killed) 1 King 1:5-27 (Adonijah sets himself up as king) 1 Chronicles 3:1-9 (Genealogy) Jonathon decided to film a live performance for this special post. 1 Chronicles 3:1-9 2 Samuel 3:2-5 2 Samuel 5:1-16 2 Samuel 13:1-34 2 Samuel 18:9 2 Samuel 18:14-15 1 King 1:5-27 These are My Sons By Jonathon Roberts Credits: Words and Music by Jonathon Roberts Musicians: Jonathon Roberts, piano, voice; Emily Clare Zempel, clarinet Recording and Mixing by J Scott Hinkley Filming by Michael Markham Mastering by Christopher Colbert Location: Clocktower Lofts, Bronx, New York Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2013 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link When I read the Bible I often find myself skimming over the lists of names. I forget that these are real people with full lives, emotions, a history, and a legacy. I set out to reverse this habit in myself while writing this song. I found lists of David's sons and daughter in the Old Testament and started to imagine what his relationship might be with each of them. How did this relationship evolve as David's life changed, from being in Hebron to Jerusalem? What about when his sons got caught up in acts of lies and jealousy? I focused on three sons: Amnon, Absalom and Adonijah. I imagined the love that David had for them but also the tremendous regret and sadness he felt at their behavior. Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar, Absalom punished and murdered Amnon and ultimately died in disgrace hanging by his hair from a tree, and Adonijah was a charmer who unsuccessfully tried to seize the throne only to be killed as well. David is a noble man; his unending love and trust for God in his life and written in the Psalms is in an inspiration for us all. Still, how would he feel when looking at this same list of his sons that we see. The song begins with the David's joy of bearing children and his rise in power and ends with an imagined scene of David addressing his sons, expressing his frustration, anger and regret. At times he may even see and blame himself. 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 Consider Me a Partner Weakness The Day Is Almost Here Surrogate 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

blindbutnowisee_melissavandermause.jpg Loading Video . . . We are pleased to feature a photo collage created by photographer Melissa Vandermause in response to a story about sight from John 9. John 9:17-25 I once was blind but now I see By Melissa Vandermause Credits: Artist location: Connecticut Curated by: Charis 2011 Digital photo collage Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link These images are part of a series of "abstract" crosses that I've found on a variety of different photo shoots, both personal and while on specific jobs. I was inspired by another photographer, Carla Ten Eyke, who looks for "10" while she is on location shooting. Because God is omnipresent, it's exciting to visualize the cross in multiple locations, such as a cobblestone road or a shadow made by a pergola. For this specific arrangement of crosses I came up a theme from the biblical story about Jesus healing the blind man at the Pool of Siloam in John 9:17-25. The cross images as I have arranged them (from left to right) begin with subtle, vague visions to a powerful, obvious vision of the cross. I like to correlate that to this story along with our personal sinful confusion in this world, and how God's Holy Spirit brings us to faith and shows us the clear vision of Jesus saving work through God's Word. Even as a life-long Christian, my vision of the cross can become fuzzy and unclear when I allow sin to overcome me and cloud my world vision. Then going back to God's Word and keeping a focus on him helps my world vision be a world vision of peace through Jesus. God may not be visible to us as he was in the Bible, however he is alive and present in our world daily. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Melissa Vandermause has a B. A. in Fine Art from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN, where she studied studio art and concentrated in photography and graphic design. After she graduated, she worked with New Generation Studio (now Lime Rock Photography) in Mankato, and was the recipient of the Wedding Album of the Year (2006 MPPA) award. Melissa, her husband Greg and two children live and work near Hartford, Connecticut where Melissa documents, creates and “captures life as intended” with her own professional photography studio, Galleria Vivid. Website Melissa Vandermause About the Artist "From Infancy..." Melissa Vandermause Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

difference-and-unity_katie-musgrove.jpg Loading Video . . . British artist Katie Musgrove's new work responds to the theme of "Community" as reflected in both Genesis 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 12:25. Genesis 1:27 1 Corinthians 12:25. Difference and Unity By Katie Musgrove Credits: Curated by: Alex Douglas 2012 30 x 42 centimeters Watercolor Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link "God created mankind in his own image" (Gen 1:27). It is the uniqueness of each and every individual which demonstrates that God is a God of infinite variation. And yet, despite the endless differences which lie within humanity God tells those who have committed themselves to following Jesus to be and live as a part of a whole. "There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other" (1 Cor 12:25). In visual terms, each of us has been given a unique colour and yet, with the grace and power of God, we must find a way for all of our colours to work together and reach out to those who have not recognised or accepted the source life, the source of colour. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Katie Musgrove currently teaches 16-18 year old students’ art and design in Liverpool, UK where she has been since 2009. In addition to teaching, Katie enjoys developing her own creative practice. Over time her work has organically evolved into a detailed and unique language of abstract shapes and vibrant colours to represent emotions, abstract concepts and reactions to the world around her. In order to further her understanding of art Katie has recently enrolled on an Artist Teacher Masters course at Liverpool John Moore’s University, which will culminate in an exhibition at The Tate, Liverpool. Website Katie Musgrove About the Artist Katie Musgrove Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Musician and native New Yorker Russ Flynn has created a delightfully funky work in response to the theme of "eavesdropping" and Ecclesiastes 7:21-25. Ecclesiastes 7:21-25 Rumor Mill By Russ Flynn Credits: Written & recorded by Russ Flynn Curated by: Aaron Kruziki 2014 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link "Rumor Mill" is like a game of involuntary telephone; a conversation being overheard, perhaps taken out of context, and restated with misinformation/imperfection. There are two main voices, panned left and right, that begin a conversation. Another voice overhears and restates; but imperfectly. The process continues with the addition of two more voices until what remains is a complete adultery of the original statement having little to do with the original source, or conversation. In reading the passage from the scripture I was reminded of the quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that stated, "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." That also had influence on my thought process. There are so many hours in a day; those who concern themselves with the business of others will only find their time wasted while those whose business they've concerned themselves with have moved on to bigger and better things. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection New York native Russ Flynn is a Brooklyn-based producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist. Russ tours, both nationally and internationally, in the rock-oriented and improvisation-based music worlds. He is a member of Great Good Fine Ok, Glass Elephant, Alexandra Stewart’s band, Lewis and the Nathan Parker Smith Large Ensemble. He has also had the pleasure of working with such varied artists as Rubblebucket, Elliott Sharp, Natalie York, Sean Lennon, Le Zhang, Bartosz Hadala, Anthony Coleman and Hafiz Shabazz. In 2010 Russ completed his graduate work at the Aaron Copland School Music where he studied composition with Michael Philip Mossman and Darcy James Argue. Russ has also studied with Alexander Stewart, Ben Allison, John Rivers, Joe Capps and John McKenna, among others. Website Russ Flynn About the Artist Russ Flynn Other Works By Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you — for you know in your heartthat many times you yourself have cursed others. All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"‚ but this was beyond me. Whatever exists is far off and most profound‚ who can discover it? So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly. — Ecclesiastes 7:21-25 Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . The compositions in Kris Allen's jazz suite reflect on the hope and strength that carry us through difficult situations in reflection of Proverbs 28. Proverbs 28 Proverbs 28 Suite By Kris Allen Credits: Composed by Kris Allen. 2016 Alto and soprano saxophone by Kris Allen Tenor saxophone by Frank Kozyra Piano by Jen Allen Bass by Matt Dwonszyk Drums by Jonathan Barber Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2016 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My quintet, featuring myself on alto and soprano saxophone, Frank Kozyra on tenor saxophone, Jen Allen on Piano, Matt Dwonszyk on bass and Jonathan Barber on drums first debuted these pieces on June 26th, 2016 during the Jazz Vespers service at St. Peter’s Church in New York City. I very much enjoyed and welcomed the challenge of adding a little thread to the larger work that Spark and Echo has instigated. It was especially interesting to spend a lot of repetitive and meditative time in Proverbs, a book of the Bible that is not exactly famed for drama, romance or emotional poignancy; I’d wager that comparatively few musicians have found their inspiration here over the millennia compared to the Gospels, the Psalms, or many other scriptures. I chose to compose in response to the 28th Chapter of Proverbs. I was originally drawn to this chapter because of it’s repetitive themes of leadership; describing the signatures and effects of both wicked and righteous leaders. Of course with the American presidential primary season in full swing, ideas about leadership (especially fearful ones!) tended to dominate our cultures collective consciousness during the time of this composition, and I was certainly not immune! In addition to many admonitions to just and equitable personal and business practices, Proverbs 28 contains many vivid images of the misplaced potency of a wicked or evil person given power over others – “like a roaring lion or a charging bear” (v. 15). However, there is wisdom in this chapter that goes far beyond the specific issue of political leadership, and calls us all to take all of our fearful and apprehensive thoughts and fears captive to a trustworthy God. The three movements of the suite respond to and creatively play with the major ideas that resonated with me personally in these passages. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Saxophonist, composer and recording artist Kris Allen was born and raised in the Hartford Connecticut area. Kris began musical studies at an early age, but his desire to seriously pursue a life in jazz music was catalyzed through his apprenticeship with legendary alto saxophonist Jackie Mclean, first at Hartford’s Artists Collective and later at the Hartt School of Music in Mclean’s African American Music Degree Program. He has gone on to perform at major jazz venues throughout New York, the US and worldwide, and forged a clear conceptual and aural identity as a composer, arranger, and educator to match his powerful saxophonic voice. His latest release, Beloved is his second album for the Truth Revolution Recording Collective, following his critically acclaimed debut recording as a bandleader Circle House (2012). Kris has enjoyed a long career as a sought-after sideman, working in the groups of Illinois Jacquet, Gerald Wilson, Andy Gonzales, Jimmy Greene, Helen Sung, Winard Harper, Andy Laverne, the Mingus Dynasty, Avery Sharpe, Andy Jaffe, Earl Macdonald, Noah Baerman, Jen Allen, Ike Sturm, Gary Smulyan, Jazzmeia Horn, Rogerio Boccato, Kendrick Oliver’s New Life Orchestra, the Curtis Brothers and Mario Pavone among others. As a composer, Kris has been honored with numerous awards and commissions and has collaborated with dancers, poets, and visual artists, as well as musicians from across diverse genres. A dedicated educator, Kris is the Lyell B. Clay Artist Artist-In-Residence in Jazz at Williams College, having previously held positions at the Hartt School, Trinity College, Southern Connecticut State University and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. He has been a Teaching Artist for Litchfield Performing Arts since 2001, and conducted clinics and master classes at institutions nation and worldwide. Kris is a Vandoren Artist and plays Vandoren mouthpieces, reeds and ligatures exclusively. For more information please visit www.krisallenjazz.com Website Kris Allen About the Artist Kris Allen Other Works By MOVEMENT 1 : "LET’S NOT HIDE JUST YET" Proverbs 28:28 I chose to begin the suite with a contrafact (new melody over a pre-existing chord progression) of Herbie Hancock’s composition “I Have A Dream.” In performance my group typically plays Hancock’s piece and “Let’s” together in one amalgamation of theme and variations. I wanted to reference Martin Luther King Jr. to invoke commonly held notions of leadership at it’s best, as well as his specific vision for society, which seems lately to be suffering a new wave of attacks. My title “Let’s Not Hide Just Yet” is a call to myself and others to remain connected, involved, and in dialogue, and to resist the urge to flee (Canada seems to be the most popular destination referenced) or withdraw in light of ominous national and world developments. I wanted the music to aurally embody a sense of determined strength amid turmoil. MOVEMENT 2 : "TREMBLE ALWAYS" (FOR NANCY BUTLER) Proverbs 28:14 Closer to home for me, the Spring of 2016 has been colored with concern (that surpasses that of the election cycle) by the illness of my pastor, Nancy Butler. Nancy has ALS and is losing control of her body at a quick rate. Even in illness and faced with a hastened end in sight, she continues to model Christ-likeness to me and so many. Nancy trembles before God in a way that helps others to delight in doing the same. Nancy continues to blog at End Time Stories: Stuff God Did Near the End of Pastor Nancy's Life . The piece emotionally attempts to represent the spiritual discipline of solitary prayer that is such a huge part of who Nancy is and a source of so much fruit in her life. Part of this piece references an original hymn of mine, a setting of the verse “Be still and know that I am God" ( Psalm 46:10 ). MOVEMENT 3 : "LACK NOTHING" Proverbs 28:27 I don’t believe we ought to read a prosperity prescription in: “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing” (v. 27)! Rather, I think that the folks described by this verse are making two choices: first to give, and then to assume a grateful posture and worldview in which they trust God to provide for their needs. Second, to strive to re-interpret present situations in ways that coax out evidence of blessing, joy, and non-paradigmatic abundance. The piece swells gradually into an exclamatory texture, using 12-tone melodic and harmonic techniques to represent feelings of completion and infinity. 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Loading Video . . . "Lifeblood" is a harmony-infused telling of the story of God's post-flood covenant to Noah from the point of view of a bird, performed by the Spark+Echo Band. Genesis 9:1-17 Lifeblood By The Spark & Echo Band Credits: Written by Jonathon Roberts Musicians: Jonathon Roberts, piano/vocals; Emily Clare Zempel guitar/vocals; Jay Foote, bass; Alexander Foote, percussion Mixing by Alexander Foote Mastering by Matt Shane of Masterdisk, NYC 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 This piece is a reaction to Genesis 9:1-17 where God makes a covenant with Noah after the flood, promising that never again will the waters of a flood destroy every living thing. What we didn't initially notice about this text, and what inspired this song, was this covenant was also with every living thing (verse 9-10) including the birds, etc. We started to think about what that meant for a bird to have this covenant with God. We also wondered what the bird felt like to see the rainbow in the sky for the first time (apparently they see colors well). We also were inspired to think about the importance of lifeblood, that it is special and handling it should not be taken lightly. The image featured with this song is a watercolor created in 1916 by Spark+Echo Arts leader Charis Carmichael Braun's grandfather. After hearing this song, Charis was reminded of her family's heirloom artwork. She thought that it embodies much of what the song describes. The redness, perhaps symbolic, of the birds' feathers, their dedicated communion with each other, the blooming rose, the distant town with a steeple, what Charis has always imagined to be a "houseboat" half-sketched in the middle ground, her grandfather's unexpected creativity, "has always been a special reassurance to her of the close relationship she has with her family." Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection The Spark & Echo Band is a family outfit of songwriting-storytellers led by husband and wife duo Jonathon Roberts and Emily Clare Zempel. Their music brings forgotten poetry and wild stories from the Bible to life: visions of sparkling wheels in the sky, hunger and thirst, and legends of love as strong as death weave with memorable melodies and captivating rhythms. Drawing from a classical background, influenced by the pianism of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds, and emulating Paul Simon’s narratival techniques, Spark & Echo sings epic tales of love and adventure. The duo has collaborated on three full lengths albums (Spark&Echo, Inheritance, Cities Project), one video album (In the Clocktower), in addition to many theatrical collaborations, this very nonprofit, and two children. They live in beautiful Beacon, New York, with all of the above. Website The Spark & Echo Band About the Artist White Robe What a Day Deep Calls to Deep Yo Sé Do You Love Me? Where Can I Go? How to Be Free Flesh Artist in Residence 2015: Spark & Echo Band Take to Heart The Wheels Frogs Ruined Inheritance The Spark & Echo Band Other Works By Lifeblood You fill the earth, as fear and dread fill my heart. And every heart of every bird in the sky, And every creature that creeps, and every fish in the sea. Though I’m just a bird we share this covenant, This everlasing covenant, I am a bird I see the colors in the sky just like you. Just like you, never again will the waters destory me, Never again, never again will the waters destroy us. You hold me in your hand. You hold me in your hand, though I am just a bird. You eat my flesh, though I am just a bird. Though I’m just a bird we share this covenant, This everlasing covenant, I am a bird I see the colors in the sky just like you. Just like you, I am accountable for your lifeblood. We are accountable, for you are in the image of God. Though I’m just a bird we share this covenant, This everlasting covenant. I am a bird, I see the colors in the sky just like you. Just like you, never again will the waters destory me. Never again, never again will the waters destroy us. And yet, I am in your hands, as a bird, I am. I’m in your hand, like the green once was. Though I’m just a bird we share this covenant, This everlasting covenant. I am a bird, I see the colors in the sky just like you. Just like you, never again will the waters destory me. Never again, never again will the waters destroy us. Recorded on Spark+Echo Band's album Inheritance Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Ebitenyefa Baralaye Abram B Big Abram_a-big.jpg Abram_b-big.jpg Loading Video . . . Spark and Echo Arts is pleased to feature the work Abram, a sculpture by artist Ebitenyefa Baralaye. This captivating piece is Mr. Baralaye's reflection on the life of Abram, especially what is told in Genesis 12:2-3 and Acts 7:3. Genesis 12:2-3 Acts 7:3 Abram By Ebitenyefa Baralaye Credits: Artist Location: New York City Curated by: 2011 8.5 x 10 x 21 inches Nickel-plated polished bronze Sculpture Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This piece was modeled from water clay, fired and then cast in bronze. Its textured surface and gestural form reflects the clay's original malleability under aggressive tactile and tooled handling. It was composed from two main sections that were complimentarily stacked and worked together. In the Old Testament, Abram is ordained by God as the lineage father of all of God's body of chosen people, Israel. He is blessed, sent on a journey to a Promised Land and later receives the name Abraham, "father of many nations." This form loosely reflects: at its top, Abram's faithfully singular focus of mind, further down, the dispersion of his lineage to descendants of many nations, and from mid-section to base, the challenges endured and overcome through his life's steadfast journey. 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 2 Artist in Residence 2016, Ebitenyefa Baralaye – Part 1 David Artist in Residence 2016: Ebitenyefa Baralaye – "Bam Bam" Ebitenyefa Baralaye Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

benje_daneman_featured.jpg Loading Video . . . Greetings from New York, Spark & Echo! I’m honored to be submitting my third update for my artist in residence with Spark & Echo Arts. Just a recap: I’m writing a full jazz suite based upon the concept of LIGHT in scripture called “Light in the Darkness.” It’s been an amazing and enlightening process so far and these next few months will be no less exciting! Find the complete progression of the work linked below. John 1:1-5 John 1:14 John 3:19-21 John 12:34-36 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 Artist in Residence 2015 | Benje Daneman 3 By Benje Daneman Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2015 Live Music, Jazz Suite Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link August 31, 2015 Greetings from New York, Spark & Echo! I’m honored to be submitting my third update for my artist in residence with Spark & Echo Arts. Just a recap: I’m writing a full jazz suite based upon the concept of LIGHT in scripture called “Light in the Darkness.” It’s been an amazing and enlightening process so far and these next few months will be no less exciting! Here are a few things I wanted to update you on: 1. SearchParty, the band I’ve formed to coincide with the writing of this project, debuted the first time at Saint Peter’s Church in midtown Manhattan on August 9th. If you check out my video, you’ll see some clips from that performance. We played three of the pieces from my forthcoming suite “Light in the Darkness.” It was a great first performance and am excited for more to come! 2. I’ve been lucky to perform and rehearse sections of the music I’m writing many times now as I’m constructing the full suite of music. This is definitely a luxury in helping me figure out what works and what doesn’t. It has been to the point where even one whole composition I’ve realized, while it’s a good composition, it doesn’t quite “fit” into the whole piece. Additionally, I’ve realized that parts of the music I thought was just a section of one piece, should actually be a whole composition itself. This only can happen through the ability of performing it multiple times in multiple settings - I’m very lucky to have this time to work out “the kinks.” 3. In multiple parts of the suite, I’ve found that I’ve used a similar chord progression in different ways without really even realizing it. I’ve begun to label this progression as the “Light” progression and am starting to utilize it in different ways to sprinkle throughout the composition. It’s awesome that this came as a sort of “accident”… or better yet, naturally!! 4. On November 15th at Marble Collegiate Church, 5pm, we’ll be debuting the full composition “Light in the Darkness” at the Jazz Vesper Series at Marble Collegiate Church (274 Fifth Ave New York, NY ). I hope you can join us as we premiere this exciting work that I’ve been honored to write. Thanks to you all for your love and support through this process!! I can’t wait to share it with you all on November 15th. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection About Benje Daneman A sought after musician for his personal approach, creative musicality and strong versatility, Daneman got his start professionally in 2007 on a national tour with with Doc Severinsen’s Big Band. Since then he has performed with the world renowned Jose Limon Dance Ensemble, recorded for the Grammy nominated album “Elevation” (HMI Big Band) and has appeared as both a leader and sideman at prestigious venues across the country including The Kennedy Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, FONT (Festival of New Trumpet) Music Festival and The Iridium. As a composer/arranger, he has received commissions from the United States Air Force Band (in Europe), Dr. Steve Zegree, Spark and Echo Arts and Lutheran Music Missions. His 2015 Artist in Residence for Spark and Echo Arts, is the catalyst for one of his newest projects called Search Party which approaches faith topics through original music, with a band including some of the top musicians on the jazz scene today, including Ike Sturm, Jon Cowherd, Jaimeo Brown and Ashley Daneman. Another new project of Daneman’s, Life Stories, calls upon his deep interest and history in musical storytelling by musically creating a personal and unique experience for the audience by aurally recreating true stories of people places and events. Daneman’s 2013 EP release Estelle’s Farewell Gift features all original compositions featuring Jeremy Siskind, Ashley Daneman and Andrew Rathbun and has been described as “Simple songs that open doors to complex reactions” (David Sumner, Bird Is The Worm). A Teaching Artist for the New York Pops, Daneman is a passionate educator and has led clinics and workshops throughout the country at such institutions as McNally Smith College, Western Michigan University, Concordia University and for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association. He is also the co-director of the Jazz & Creative Institute (http://www.jcinstitute.org), which has a mission to inspire artistic development and cultivate creative entrepreneurship for all levels of creative musicians. Benje has attended and holds degrees from Western Michigan University, The Henry Mancini Institute (Los Angeles, CA), and Manhattan School of Music (New York, NY). Benje lives in New York City with his wife, jazz singer-songwriter, Ashley Daneman and daughters, Rivi and Elise. Website Benje Daneman About the Artist Artist in Residence 2015 | Benje Daneman 1 Artist in Residence 2015 | Benje Daneman 2 To Lay Down One's Life Artist in Residence 2015: Benje Daneman Benje Daneman Other Works By Follow the development of Benje's project by reading this in addition to his first , second and final posts as a 2015 Artist in Residence. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . The bassoon plays a strong supporting role in this setting of Jeremiah 12:5-17 by The Spark & Echo Band. In the text, God speaks strongly of his sadness and frustration. Jeremiah 12:5-17 Inheritance By The Spark & Echo Band Credits: Composition by Jonathon Roberts Musicians: Jonathon Roberts, piano/vocal; Emily Clare Zempel, bassoon/voice; Alexander Foote, percussion; Jay Foote, bass Mixing by Alexander Foote Mastering by Christopher Colbert Artist Location: Bronx, New York Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2010 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link "Has not my inheritance become to me like a lion in the forest? She roars at me, therefore I hate her." After the Prophet Jeremiah boldly files a complaint with God in the beginning of Jeremiah about the condition of Judah, God replies with stern words of discipline. God uses vivid illustration to illuminate his sadness and frustration with the people he loves. This response is set to music in the song, "Inheritance". The final line of song, "Bear the shame of your harvest, because of the Lord's angry mouth," touches on the thought from this passage that while the words from the Lord's "mouth" are angry, in his heart there is deep love for those he is pursuing. -Jonathon Roberts *This song is the track of The Spark+Echo Band's 2012 album . Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection The Spark & Echo Band is a family outfit of songwriting-storytellers led by husband and wife duo Jonathon Roberts and Emily Clare Zempel. Their music brings forgotten poetry and wild stories from the Bible to life: visions of sparkling wheels in the sky, hunger and thirst, and legends of love as strong as death weave with memorable melodies and captivating rhythms. Drawing from a classical background, influenced by the pianism of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds, and emulating Paul Simon’s narratival techniques, Spark & Echo sings epic tales of love and adventure. The duo has collaborated on three full lengths albums (Spark&Echo, Inheritance, Cities Project), one video album (In the Clocktower), in addition to many theatrical collaborations, this very nonprofit, and two children. They live in beautiful Beacon, New York, with all of the above. Website The Spark & Echo Band About the Artist White Robe What a Day Deep Calls to Deep Yo Sé Do You Love Me? Where Can I Go? How to Be Free Flesh Lifeblood Artist in Residence 2015: Spark & Echo Band Take to Heart The Wheels Frogs Ruined The Spark & Echo Band Other Works By Inheritence Has not my inheritance become to me like a lion in the woods? She roars at me I hate her. Has not my inheritance become to me like a speckled bird of prey, That other birds surround and attack? Go gather all the wild beasts, bring them to devour Many shepherds will ruin my fields They’ll turn my pleasant vineyards in to trash. If you race with men on foot and they have worn you out Then how can you compete with a horse? If you stumble in the safeland how are you gonna manage in the thicket When ev’ry thing is desolate and dry? Your brothers, your brothers, your own famly Even they’ve betrayed you. Do not trust them, they’re the ones I love For they will sow wheat but reap thorns. They will wear out but gain nothing, yeah well, Over the barren land The sword will devour, Because nobody cares So bear the shame of your harvest Because of the Lord’s angry mouth. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . For this entry, I would like to update my status on When We Walk. I also want to show its relationship to the passage that I have chosen. Find the complete progression of the work linked below. Romans 12:2 Artist in Residence 2015: Jason DaSilva Part 3 By Jason DaSilva Credits: Curated by: Spark & Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2015 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link For this entry, I would like to update my status on When We Walk . I also want to show its relationship to the passage that I have chosen. Before going further, the name of my project is still entitled When We Walk . My past work entitled When I Walk was just EMMY award nominated this month. The award ceremony will be held at Lincoln Center on September 28, 2015. This is not the same Emmy’s award in LA. “ The News & Documentary Emmy® Awards recognize outstanding achievement in broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences promotes journalistic excellence by awarding the coveted Emmy® to the very best news reports and documentary films aired on national television or streamed over the Internet each year.” I feel very grateful to PBS/POV for putting my film forwarded for the awards. I am very excited! It is important to acknowledge my physical challenges and how this relates to creating my work right now. I am finding it more challenging than ever to produce arts and films. I have new challenges because of my progressive multiple sclerosis. Now, the things that I took for granted like typing on the computer and seeing properly are a thing of the past. By having others assisting me with my editing and writing, I can still function, but it is a new way of being. I use dictation software to transcribe my words, but even this has its own set of challenges and it is not foolproof. Words are often wrong. I have to have some kind of blind faith that the projects I do get done. Losing my vision has been the most difficult singular thing. I was not expecting that. As a filmmaker, this is very sad. Wild, amazing things are happening with my career while the unthinkable is happening to my body. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) I have to remind myself that what I am creating is for the greater good of people and humanity. I have to remind myself of this often. As thing gets tougher for my body, it is most important that I find courage to keep on. For this entry, I want to feature the finished trailer for When We Walk which outline the challenges the Romans passage resounds as I work on this trailer, reminding me that life is affirmed by the same challenges that we fight against. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Jason DaSilva has been a prolific filmmaker for the past 10 years. He has directed four short films (OLIVIA’S PUZZLE, A SONG FOR DANIEL, TWINS OF MANKALA, and FIRST STEPS) and two feature-length documentary films (LEST WE FORGET and WHEN I WALK). Many of his films have won awards; OLIVIA’S PUZZLE premiered at the 2003 Sundance Festival and qualified for an Academy Award. Three of his films have had national broadcasts on PBS, HBO, and CBC. He also produced Shocking and Awful, a film installation on the anti-Iraq war movement, exhibited at the 2006 Whitney Biennial. Each one of these works advanced Jason’s objective to give voice to those on the periphery of society. In 2006 Jason took a short break from filmmaking to earn his MFA in Applied Media Arts from Emily Carr University. He recently produced and directed an Op-Doc (opinion documentary) for the New York Times called ‘The Long Wait,’ published in January 2013. DaSilva’s latest film, WHEN I WALK, was an Official Selection of the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won Best Canadian Feature at HotDocs 2013. Following the film’s theatrical release this fall, it will air on POV on PBS in 2014. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Interested in learning more about Jason’s creative process? Visit his website at: http://wheniwalk.com/ Website Jason DaSilva About the Artist Artist in Residence 2015: Jason DaSilva Part 2 Artist in Residence 2015: Jason DaSilva Part 1 Artist in Residence 2015: Jason DaSilva Jason DaSilva Other Works By To follow the development of his project as a 2015 Artist in Residence, read his first and second posts. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

The Lake Loading Video . . . We are immensely pleased to present The Lake, a new artwork created in response to Psalm 139, painted by Shawn Yu. This painting dives into a new theme – Water – for Summer 2012 with Spark and Echo Arts. With a tension set between representational certainty and graphic overlay, Shawn intends his fantastic scenarios to be “read as both a visual game and a narrative.” Shawn’s visual and metaphorical language incorporates “Metallic Vessels” in each of his paintings along with stylized imagery and perspective. A voracious reader of philosophy including Vladimir Nabokov, Baudrilliard, Roland Barthes, and Marshall McLuhan(media studies), Shawn notes that his favorite writer Nabokov’s novels “are usually a collage of different styles which probe into different points of view.” Shawn is inspired to paint using a “collage-like visual language that is a mix match of elements from different medias.” With each new painting his own vocabulary revolves, writing his own narrative with a story line woven through his current strokes of paint. Characters of steel teapots, knights, “skin gloves,” and faces posture in hidden, contained – or appear in a sliver of selectively revealed – compositions in oil. Shawn’s painterly response to Psalm 139 zooms into the individual experience, perhaps sublime and terrifyingly isolated in the vast sea of “the unknown,” while anchoring the comfort contained in those verses. Psalms 139:9-10 The Lake By Shawn Yu Credits: Artist Location: Richmond, Virginia Curated by: Charis 2012 18 x 24 inches Oil on canvas Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link I placed a Metallic Vessel in my painting as both a visual motif and a symbol for containment; I really like the imagery of some one being lost and out of reach. I wanted my painting to have a feel of Dante-being-led-out-of-Purgatory. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Shawn Yu is an itinerant painter who spend his time traveling between Beijing, New York, Washington D.C. and various places on the United States east coast. He holds a MFA in painting from the New York Academy of Art. He has recently accepted a teaching position in Richmond, VA. Website Shawn Yu About the Artist Shawn Yu Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work