Artists In Residence Spark+Echo Artists in Residence spend a year developing and creating a major work in response to Scripture. The progression of their work is documented and displayed throughout, and the final work is showcased. View This Work 2020 Artist in Residence: Marlanda Dekine Marlanda Dekine 2020 View This Work Artist in Residence 2019: Lancelot Schaubert Lancelot Schaubert 2019 View This Work Artist in Residence 2018: Elias Popa Elias Popa 2018 View This Work Artist in Residence 2017: Aaron Beaumont Aaron Beaumont 2017 View This Work Artist in Residence 2017: Lily Maase Lily Maase 2017 View This Work Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Chris Knight 2016 View This Work Artist in Residence 2016: Stephanie Miracle Stephanie Miracle 2016 View This Work Artist in Residence 2016: Lauren Ferebee Lauren Ferebee 2016 View This Work Artist in Residence 2016: Ebitenyefa Baralaye – "Bam Bam" Ebitenyefa Baralaye 2016 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Spark & Echo Band The Spark & Echo Band 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Jason DaSilva Jason DaSilva 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Melissa Beck Melissa Beck 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Don Nguyen Don Nguyen 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Christine Suarez Christine Suarez 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2015: Benje Daneman Benje Daneman 2015 View This Work Artist in Residence 2013, Emily Ruth Hazel Emily Ruth Hazel 2013 View This Work Memories Nicora Gangi 2013

Loading Video . . . Oregon poet Nathan Hunt responds to Psalm 131, one of David's "song of ascents". Psalms 131 Psalm 131 By Nathan Hunt Credits: Artist Location: Eugene, Oregon Curated by: Jonathon 2011 Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Psalm 131 is one of my favorite verses. I love that it is a song of ascents, sung as David climbs the steps to minister in the Temple, and yet his eyes are downcast. This is the great and still humility in the face of divine love. The Temple and the work there are the “great matters or things too wonderful for me” which David is ascending to, but instead of thinking of pomp and splendor, he’s quieting his soul. The central image, the soul stilled like a weaned child with its mother, is something I couldn’t possibly improve upon. And the final verse comes in as a triumphant refrain! I tried to interpret this psalm through imagery, through contrasting the glory and joyous noise of a parade with a speaker more enraptured by a small plant and its world. He thinks on a tiny, natural, sincere thing, rather than “great matters or things too wonderful…” I explored the child’s transformation from teething to weaned, as the great commotion makes it forget its pain. The parade must be ignored to see the aphid’s tender moment, as it “nuzzles the green,” but yet the wild celebration (and the Temple worship) are the glory that provide the reason for silence. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Nathan Hunt grew up on a small farm near Eugene, Oregon. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Writing and Literature (with a minor in Spanish language) from George Fox University in the fall of 2009. In his spare time, he works at two wineries in Newberg, Oregon. His poems have been featured in The Iconoclast, Mudfish, Perceptions, The Houston Literary Review and Boston Literary Magazine, among others. He is the co-founder and co-editor of the upstart literary journal Cartographer. Website Nathan Hunt About the Artist Nathan Hunt Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art Among the streaming people on hazy summer streets, a sprouting weed. View Full Written Work PSALM 131 Among the streaming people on hazy summer streets, a sprouting weed. In the thorns a tiny aphid nuzzles the green. The crowd blinks at the marching band. The floats crawl slowly past. Overhead a huge balloon tosses its shadow on the beaming upturned faces. The melodies ascend. The cymbals splash. My eyes are downcast and next to me a teething child is amazed into silence. Close Loading Video . . . Among the streaming people on hazy summer streets, a sprouting weed. Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Poet Emily Ruth Hazel wrote a collection of six poems incorporating her experiences with every theme from the year in response to passages of scripture. Isaiah 50:2-3 Isaiah 59:9-11 Luke 1:78-79 Proverbs 1:8-9 Jeremiah 31:13 Genesis 2:21-25 Exodus 16:2-4 Jonah 2:5-7 Artist in Residence 2013, Emily Ruth Hazel By Emily Ruth Hazel Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2013 Poetry/Spoken Word Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Poet Emily Ruth Hazel wrote a collection of six poems incorporating her experiences with every theme from the year in response to passages of scripture. Explore her works created throughout the year: “In the Wake of the Storm” LIGHT AND DARKNESS (JANUARY 21, 2013) “Circling the Waist of Wisdom” FOOLS (APRIL 26, 2013) “Homecoming” DANCING (JUNE 27, 2013) “Runaway” LIES (AUGUST 8, 2013) “Give Us This Day” HARVEST (NOVEMBER 14, 2013) “Undressing Prayer” MEMORY (JANUARY 6, 2013) Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Emily Ruth Hazel is a poet, writer, and cross-pollinator who is passionate about diversifying the audience for poetry and giving voice to people who have been marginalized. Selected as the Honorary Poet for the 25th Annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading in Providence, Rhode Island, she presented a commissioned tribute to the Poet Laureate of Harlem in February of 2020. She is a two-time recipient of national Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Prizes and was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for a residency at The Hambidge Center in 2014. Her chapbook, Body & Soul (Finishing Line Press, 2005) , was a New Women’s Voices finalist. Emily’s work has appeared in numerous anthologies, magazines, literary journals, and digital projects, including Kinfolks: A Journal of Black Expression and Magnolia: A Journal of Women’s Socially Engaged Literature. Her poetry has also been featured on music albums, in a hair salon art installation, and in a science museum exhibition. Emily has written more than twenty commissioned works for organizations, arts productions, social justice projects, and private clients. Currently, she is developing several poetry book manuscripts and writing lyrics for an original musical inspired by the life of the extraordinary singer and Civil Rights icon Marian Anderson. A graduate of Oberlin College’s Creative Writing Program and a former New Yorker, she is now based in the Los Angeles area. EmilyRuthHazel.com Instagram: @EmilyRuthHazel Facebook.com/EmilyRuthHazel Website Emily Ruth Hazel About the Artist Word of Mouth In the Wake of the Storm Circling the Waist of Wisdom Give Me a Name Homecoming Runaway Give Us This Day Undressing Prayer Emily Ruth Hazel Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

collected-thoughts_chris-knight_featjpg.jpg Loading Video . . . I was supposed to submit this update last week, but I didn’t. I hate missing deadlines like that, mostly because I’m at heart a real rule follower. Blowing a deadline feels like letting people down who were depending on me. Find the complete progression of the work linked below. Ecclesiastes 1:8-13 Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Part 3 By Chris Knight Credits: Curated by: Spark & Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2016 2016 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link September 12, 2016 I was supposed to submit this update last week , but I didn’t. I hate missing deadlines like that, mostly because I’m at heart a real rule follower. Blowing a deadline feels like letting people down who were depending on me. (Behind the scenes from the shoot) But on the weekend when I was supposed to updating everyone on how the film was progressing, we were actually — you know — shooting the film, so it made sense to hold off until there was a bit more to report. (Behind the scenes from the shoot) It was a hectic shoot, trying to cram a bit too much into two days of shooting. I would have liked to have one more day of shooting and one more week of preparation time, but because of the way our (almost entirely volunteer) cast and crew’s schedules aligned, we had a window of just those two days to get it all done. Everyone did a terrific job in a very busy environment without a lot of extra hands. By the time the shoot started, as it usually does, the cast and crew were doing all of the critical work, and I was just standing in the center of it all and watching them make the film come together. (Behind the scenes from the shoot) The script changed little since the last update. I streamlined the two scenes and added some additional framing to give it more shape. In the end, we cut a couple of sequences for time. I’m concerned those edits might unbalance the tone of the piece, so as we get further into the editing, we may need to look for a way to pick up a couple of shots, but I don’t want to commit to anything until we see how it’s shaping up. Overall, I’m still in the shell-shocked, post-shoot blur. I’m beginning to sleep again, and I can eat actual meals, which are both nice developments. But mostly, I’m just looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. Screen Captures from Chris’ Upcoming Film Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Chris Knight is a director and writer based in New York City. His short films and feature scripts have been selected for a variety of film festivals across the country. Website Chris Knight About the Artist Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Part 1 Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Part 2 Carried from Jericho Artist in Residence 2016: Chris Knight Chris Knight Other Works By Follow the developmental journey of Chris' project by reading his first , second and final post 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 . . . The sound of this song by musician, singer-songwriter, and performer Peter Mawanga offers an energetic and joyful feel that complements the words from the work's originating inspiration: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-6. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-6 ASAMALA By Peter Mawanga Credits: Music and Lyrics by Peter Mawanga Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2018 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This song is inspired by the words of 2 Thessalonians 1:3-6, "Thanksgiving and Prayer." The song opens with the words "TIZIYAMIKA MULUNGU NTHAWI ZONSE IYE AMAPEREKA MWAULERE,"meaning: "We ought always to thank God for you brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more." I go on to say, "We ought to thank God for he gives us all freely." ATISAMALA means HE CARES. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Peter Mawanga has attracted worldwide acclaim with his music, the Nyanja vibes, performing on world stages in Africa, Europe and America. Not a stranger to the BBC and other media outlets, Mawanga has established himself as one of the living legends in Malawi and Africa. Blending traditional instruments as the Nyanja’s visekese, malimba , and kaligo , with contemporary instruments, he produces music that is fondly described by many as therapeutic, drawing from the Nyanja’s core values of peace and calm. The Nyanja are the most peaceful people in Africa and their country Malawi, which has never been at war, be it civil or otherwise, is known as the warm heart of Africa. Their instruments are deliberately designed to produce sounds that appeal to different feelings that aim at calming the nerves, celebrating life, pleading for peace and mostly merrymaking. It is from this source that Peter birthed the aMaravi movement and the celebrated Nyanja afro-vibes which mainly took off when he produced the now world renown album, Mawu A Malawi (The Voice of Malawi) , which featured stories of AIDS. For seven months Peter and colleagues had collected narratives from twenty-six of the most inspiring people they had ever met. They shared their loss, pain, joy, courage, and wisdom. The result of the project was Mawu a Malawi . The album was launched at the University of North Carolina and Department of State, making Peter Mawanga the first African musician to perform at the office of the Secretary of State. Since then, Peter’s performances have been holistic, characterized by song, film, dance, talks and sometimes dramatic monologues. His talks, among other things topics, are on: Malawian traditional sounds ; origins, use, relevance, relation to Africa and the world at large, the fusion with contemporary instruments, extinction, and preservation efforts. Music and dance in Malawi , the interplay of music in the social setup. Issues of identity, music as a people’s movement and a catalyst for life. Dance and tribal heritage. Talents of the Malawian Child Project Mawanga’s personal life (self-discovery) and involvement in projects for social change and economic empowerment. Peter, just like the Nyanjas of Malawi, believes that music goes beyond the ear, reaching out into the inner person to produce a healing power. It is one of the keys to a peaceful mind. Website Peter Mawanga About the Artist ULEMU Nambala Wani NDAUPENYA Peter Mawanga Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Anna Paddock's song captures the seeming simplicity of Lydia's conversion juxtaposed with the depth of the life changing event in Acts 16:13-15. Acts 16:13-15 Stop Listen By Anna Paddock Credits: Written by Anna Paddock. 2016 Performed and recorded by Anna Paddock and Patrick Anderson Curated by: Sarah Gregory 2016 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This song is written from the perspective of Lydia. As I spent time reading this passage, it struck me as an interesting conversion story. Lydia seemed to have her life in order and wasn't in a state of physical need or apparent desperation of any kind. She was already a follower of God, had a family, lived in the city, and was an established working woman. And yet, on presumably just an ordinary Sabbath day, she heard a message from strangers that inspired her to believe and be baptized. "The Lord opened her heart", it says, and I wonder what that felt like to her in that moment. It's a mysterious thing, and yet I can relate to the feeling of knowing that our seemingly mundane existences can be interrupted with inexplainable heart awakenings and understandings, and it was a reminder to me to stop and listen. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Anna Paddock is a singer-songwriter and pianist based in Brooklyn, NY, although her family roots are in Manitoba, Canada. Anna studied piano at Trinity Western University and then received her Masters in Music Theory and Composition from New York University. Anna has collaborated with filmmakers, choreographers, and other songwriters as a composer and vocalist, and released her first solo album, “ Feel Better ” in 2013. She currently teaches in New York, and recently released a self-titled EP “ The Lay Awakes ” – a collaboration with her husband (rockstar Canadian paralympian) Patrick Anderson. Anna and Patrick make their home with their baby boy, Stanley, and are members of Resurrection Williamsburg Church. Website Anna Paddock About the Artist Anna Paddock Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Alina Potemska Lords Compassions Loading Video . . . In the past (2010-2014), Spark+Echo Arts has grouped the year into themes. 2014's themes included poverty, meals, eavesdropping, etc. In 2015, we are trying something different. Instead of thematic groupings, we have asked our artists to create works in response to specific books of the Bible. 2015's explorations will consist of: Lamentations, Philemon, Joshua, and Psalm 107. The first work within this approach, this striking piece from Ukrainian artist Alina Potemska responds to Lamentations 2:18. Lamentations 3:22-25 Lord's compassions fail not By Alina Potemska Credits: Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts, Selected through Artist Submissions 2015 40×50 cm Colored pencils, paper on cardboard Collage Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My work claims to the theme of God's mercy to whole nations in general and particularly to each person. We can experience any struggles and think that it's last stage of trials. But as a rain feeds the arid land and have no limits in every day refreshing, in the same way God's love and tenderness captures us in a flow that keeps us from any trouble and problem. Even more, it doesn't really matter what issues are under the boat, it is only important that we are safe in the God's shelter and are covered by His love and mercy. We flow in His stream and it cures us and gives us felling of safety. Maybe, as Jeremiah did, we should experience some trials to appreciate this gift. During the horrible time of war in my homeland, it's natural to us ask God why He allowed this? But especially in this trouble we can feel deeply LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, and it's new every morning, so thanks to God for that! Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Alina Potemska graduated from the National Art Academy in her hometown Kyiv in 2013 and keeps her passion in illustration and printmaking. Alina is active participant in row of exhibition and takes part in social activeness through art. In 2015 she was nominated for Polish governmental Scholarship “Gaude Polonia”. “My art is a part of me and my understanding of life. I would be more than happy if it serves any person in any extend to become more fulfilled and experience something new in his life”. Website Alina Potemska About the Artist Alina Potemska Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Poet Hayan Charara explores the theme of "Harvest" through Jeremiah 8:20. Jeremiah 8:20 The Harvest is Past By Hayan Charara Credits: Curated by: Emily Ruth Hazel 2013 Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link I was drawn to Jeremiah 8:20 for a few reasons. At its most basic, it is a lament, and its message rings true for me, both literally (I live in Texas, which for years has suffered a severe and destructive drought) and metaphorically (reading the passage I couldn’t help but think of how the world’s ills have imposed themselves on the lives of loved ones, especially those who live in the war-torn Middle East—including my father and brother—and those who live in my hometown, Detroit). The tone also grabbed my attention. Unlike the angry invective with which most “jeremiads” are associated, whether Biblical or modern-day, Jeremiah 8:20 is, at least in isolation, again a lament more than a diatribe; it bears more responsibility than blame. Also worthwhile is the “we,” a pronoun of authoritarian, grandiose rhetoric (think “We the people…”). Here, though, the “we” accomplishes something close to the opposite. While authoritative, its tone is also inclusive and even humble. Finally, the formal elements impressed me. Jeremiah 8:20 is nearly a traditional haiku insofar as the number of syllables-per-line is concerned. The traditional 5-7-5 structure is here 5-6-5. As a way to impose conciseness, I decided to adopt the 5-6-5 syllabic structure, and also to follow the parallelism of the independent clauses, which added gravitas to the original passage and, I hope, to my poem. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Hayan Charara is the author of three poetry books, The Alchemist’s Diary (Hanging Loose, 2001), a Publisher’s Weekly “Notable Debut,” The Sadness of Others (Carnegie Mellon, 2006), nominated for the National Book Award, and the forthcoming Something Sinister (Carnegie Mellon, 2014). He is a recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, for poetry, as well as the Lucille Joy Prize for Poetry from the creative writing program at the University of Houston. His poems have been published widely, translated into French and Arabic, and nominated several times for the Pushcart Prize. He also edited Inclined to Speak (University of Arkansas, 2008), an anthology of contemporary Arab American poetry, and has also written a children’s book, The Three Lucys , winner of the New Voices Award Honor and forthcoming from Lee & Low Books in 2014. He teaches in the Honors College at the University of Houston. Website Hayan Charara About the Artist Hayan Charara Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art (1)The bees come from far, the migrant workers too, but the rains do not. View Full Written Work THE HARVEST IS PAST, THE SUMMER HAS ENDED, AND WE ARE NOT SAVED by Hayan Charara (1) The bees come from far, the migrant workers too, but the rains do not. (2) The ground cracks open, the lost pines choke the sky, and the cows are trapped. (3) We prepare for war, we sing songs, weep, and pray, and so does our foe. (4) The children are fed, they are clothed, taught, cherished, and they too must go. Close Loading Video . . . (1)The bees come from far, the migrant workers too, but the rains do not. Download Full Written Work

Rev5 1 4 Lknights Main Image Lily Knights, For Reaching and Holding (detail) Lily Knights, For Reaching and Holding (detail) Loading Video . . . Artist Lily Knights transfers her love of murals onto canvas as she responds to Revelation 5:1-4. Revelation 5:1-4 For Reaching and Holding By Lily Knights Credits: Curated by: Lauren Ferebee 2016 88 x 64 inches paint and ink on canvas Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My piece is inspired by the idea of unexpected community. What a vivid image the text provides: all hands on deck, trying and equally failing. We put so much energy into proving we are worthy — to ourselves and each other. We want to be loved and heard and to do something with our time that matters. We spend our lives attempting impossible tasks and feeling a familiar sense of futility. But that is the essence of our humanity; our foibles and our failings unify us. When I read this passage, I want all those hands collectively coming up short to know that we are in this together and that we are leveled by our insufficiency, our inadequacy, our imperfection. When we recognize that, we can realize our connections to each other. The hands represent humanity and individuality, striving and art. The gold represents the divine, surrounding us and tying us to each other. I put this idea into practice while creating my piece. It was a process that took a few weeks, a lot of space and a great deal of patience. I spent some time with my anxiety, fearing I wouldn't be able to realize my vision, before I reached out to my friends and let them step in to lend a hand. Thanks to Valerie, Luke, Lucy, Jonathan, Jake, Bill and Andy. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Lily Knights is a graphic designer, illustrator and photographer. In addition to her creative drive to make art, she has a passion for working with local organizations involved in the arts and dedicated to community building. Lily lives in South Carolina with her children, Bebe and Amby. lily-knights.com etsy.com/shop/RaisetheProof Website Lily Knights About the Artist Lily Knights Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . A classic gets revisited in this musical piece by composer and arranger J.R. Mikels. Mikels composed his rendition of the hymn "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" in response to Matthew 28:6-7 and Luke 24:6-7, expanding on the melody throughout the work. It is performed here by Center Stage Brass for Spark+Echo Arts to celebrate Easter. Luke 24:6-7 Matthew 28:6-7 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today By J.R. Mikels Credits: Composer: J.R. Mikels Musicians: Center Stage Brass Curated by: Jonathon Roberts 2021 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My treatment of ''Christ The Lord Is Risen Today'' was penned while living in Bethel, Connecticut; working as a school bus mechanic helper and staying with a small group that was establishing a Christian mission church in the area. It was first performed publicly for Easter Morning services in 1973 as a ''4 hands'' piano piece in a large gym; always my favorite type of room, acoustically. Later I scored it for Brass or Woodwind Choir. The two Bible references (both interestingly enough verses 6-7) announce the core of the Christian Faith. Without the resurrection, there is no redemption. Growing up, this hymn was very enthusiastically sung in our church only once per year and I always looked forward to it — especially the counterpoint in the 'Alleluias'. When asked to compose an Easter prelude for the mission, setting this melody was an easy choice. No one seems to know who wrote it originally. The ''tune first circulated in 1708 with the Lyra Davidica hymnal, but no composer has ever been acknowledged.'' (Christianity Today Magazine) The piece was recorded for Spark+Echo Arts in 2021 by Center Stage Brass of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection J.R. Mikels was born In Door County, Wisconsin, and raised on a dairy farm/cherry orchard. He began piano at age 5 and played organ at St. Peter's church. He holds a Music Theory/Education degree from UW Madison with additional studies at Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He has been an itinerant rock musician, school/private instrumental director/teacher, mechanic, farmer, researcher, recording studio owner/producer, arranger/composer, and currently resides ''in the woods'' near Iola, Wisconsin. Website J.R. Mikels About the Artist J.R. Mikels Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . As the second work in a collection curated by Shann Ray, also featuring the works of Vanessa Kay, Alan Heathcock and Shann Ray; this beautiful work by Mary Jane Nealon explores theme of “Light and Darkness” from the perspective of Isaiah 61:3. Isaiah 61:3 Adoration of the Foot By Credits: Curated by: Shann Ray 2013 Poetry Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This piece is my attempt to highlight the body as the warrior for the spirit. In every situation of suffering that I have witnessed, the body asserts itself as a force for life. I am convinced that despair often comes with physical pain and that comforting the suffering body is what makes way for praise. I am especially drawn to the power of the human foot, which is the element of praise in my poem. The body in despair is often curled and tight and touching the foot with compassion and love is a way to honor the suffering person, to praise the body’s struggle to live and in doing so, one often sees the body uncurl, open out and release the suffering spirit. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Mary Jane Nealon , RN, MFA has worked as a nurse and writer for 36 years. She has two collections of poetry: Rogue Apostle and Immaculate Fuel (Four Way Books). She has received fellowships from the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Breadloaf Writer’s Conference. Her memoir, Beautiful Unbroken : One Nurse’s Life (Graywolf, 2011) won the Bakeless Nonfiction Prize. Website Mary Jane Nealon About the Artist Mary Jane Nealon Other Works By As the second work in a collection curated by Shann Ray, also featuring the works of Vanessa Kay , Alan Heathcock and Shann Ray ; this beautiful work by Mary Jane Nealon explores theme of “Light and Darkness” from the perspective of Isaiah 61:3: and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Related Information View More Art Make More Art I took my hand, which was as waxy as a crayon and reached into the world and it hit the bottom of someone’s foot. View Full Written Work ADORATION OF THE FOOT by Mary Jane Nealon I took my hand, which was as waxy as a crayon and reached into the world and it hit the bottom of someone’s foot. I made a career of it. The feet were (swollen, blue, veiny, excoriated), and always at the bottom of the bed, when I entered in white. A bride of the foot. ~ At the peak of the AIDS epidemic, I could not look Marco in the face, venue for his suffering but we understood that in his right foot there was a door to a netherworld and tethered there, forever there, I left my hand on an opening. My hand wanted to both see beyond where we stood and to hold his spirit here in this room, maybe if I pressed gently at the bottom of the foot, he would live, his soul might find no egress. Yet, when the swelling was wide enough, the pain was wide enough his spirit pushed past my hand, into the room and for a few moments, his skin, (which appeared as a wide curved door) opened towards the ocean of grief in the room, and he rose into some odd oblivion of sound meeting no-sound. ~ And then someone else’s feet: a woman running into the Emergency Room, downtown Jersey City, a Vietnamese woman escaping her husband’s gun, she ran three miles down Montgomery Street, from the highest point to the lowest point over glass and the curved street leading to the Turnpike, past the Kosher grocer and the Seventh Precinct, ran into the hospital, bloodied. I held my arms out to her. I held my arms out. I scrubbed her feet in front of the detective who said, it’s a waste of time, she’ll go back to him…. but she and I understood her husband no longer had anything to do with it, she had made a comrade of her feet and in the shards we lifted with tweezers from her heels, in the glossy black stitches that reattached her toes, we praised the beginning of a beautiful mutiny. In the fluorescent light of antisepsis, her feet were quite simply, revolutionary. Close Loading Video . . . I took my hand, which was as waxy as a crayon and reached into the world and it hit the bottom of someone’s foot. Download Full Written Work

natures_lamp_light_collage.jpg Loading Video . . . The Constant is a blueprint for an experience, a composition, performance, activity, guided improvisation exploring the Creation account in Genesis. It is a set of cards that, when used by a group of willing participants will bring out their talents and result in something new, a creation that tells something unique about the group itself. Genesis 1 The Constant By Jonathon Roberts Credits: Special Thanks: John Roberts and the Nature’s Lamp project Artist Location: New York City Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2010 Guided improvisation/creative blueprint Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This work explores the Creation Account by doing, by creating. The actions outlined on the cards could be carried out by a musical or theatrical ensemble, a corporate team, as a workshop or performance, and for any length of time. What each group creates depend on their identity; just as creation tells us about our Creator, so our creations tell others about us. 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 Surrogate Babbler Remember Me Prayer How Beautiful I Am a Fool Ecclesiastes Cows Blessing Fools for Christ More Than Rubies Only a Few Years Will Pass Dear Friend Jonathon Roberts Other Works By Download the set of cards: The Constant Each card comes with an image corresponding to a day of Creation, and a set of instructions. the holder of "The Constant" card is the leader; other cards are distributed to participants. Click above to download the entire set in high resolution. Below are previews of each card. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work