He Wept Katherine Marley 1 Katherine Marley, Lament, 36 x 36 inches Katherine Marley, The Space Between, 36 x 48 inches Loading Video . . . Artist Katherine Marley explores the liminality of space, existence, and Jesus' tears in this set of paintings responding to John 11:35. John 11:35 He Wept By Katherine Marley Credits: Artist Headshot by Lynn Scheuermann Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2020 Two works of differing sizes Mixed media, acrylic and oil pastel on canvas Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link My art is a raw, real time expression of the living gospel and my personal relationship with the Lord. I began thinking about the man in which Jesus was — the emotion He felt — and I became overwhelmed with the notion that this man-who-is-fully-God weeps for us, His friends and family. I began to see Him grieve and shed tears, just like us, caught in emotion of lament. When painting, I am often taken through a journey in my mind. It is more than art to me: it is a healing process and is an expression to always lead me to deeper wonder and connection with the Lord in an intimate level. I find that in my process of creating, I lose touch with thinking. It becomes more about the movements in each emotion that comes over me, the flow between healing and release — the movements between unaware and revelation — the concept of liminal space between heaven and earth and Jesus' tears. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Michigan-based artist Katherine Marley makes abstract paintings comprised of scraped, smeared, scribbled, and pools of pigment that interprets healing through the thoughts between what is known and the truth of how it is felt. Graduating from Kendall College of Art and Design, Katherine paints intuitively and spontaneously at her home studio and in live performance speed-painting with perceptive, powerful, and often abstract prophetic images in vibrant expressions of color and emotion. Katherine is dedicated to releasing spiritually powerful art into our communities and culture. Katherine also runs an art therapeutic ministry called Hello My Heart where she focuses on healing deep rooted emotional trauma with her students and is now in the process of partnering with a state certified nonprofit to build its own program dedicated to helping victims of trauma. Katherine has partnered with The Hope Project which specializes in human trafficking recovery, Fresh Coast Alliance for recovery therapy with former prison inmates, where it allowed anyone willing to come and gain emotional healing ranging from ages 13 and older. Website Katherine Marley About the Artist Katherine Marley Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Installation artist Elias Popa presents his last post as Spark+Echo Art's 2018 Artist in Residence and showcases the completion of his gorgeous work responding to Job 38-41. Job 38:1-24 Job 38:29-41:34 Artist in Residence 2018: Elias Popa By Elias Popa Credits: Curated by: Spark & Echo Arts, Artist in Residence 2018 2018 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Often, like all my work, the laborious repetition of action creates a space for meditation. The individual placement of each blade of dried grass, the meticulous angling of the mirrors, and endless visual repetition of the grass itself in the mirror — these all created a space for me to think of Job. It is perhaps easy to think of the passage in Job where he comes under the fiery arguments of God to be a scene of overwhelming fear, awe and trembling. Those aspects are definitely found there. However, I wanted to capture a deeper meaning in the story. Despite the jarring vocabulary used in this passage, I believe God was being kind to Job, allowing him to see a mere glimpse of the overwhelming presence of God. Like a small crack in time, or a narrow gateway, like Moses, Job gets to see a fragment of God. A glimpse of eternity. An unending field in the midst of temporal circumstances. I wanted to capture this small breath, this myopic moment, where Job sees God. A narrow gate which when passed through reveals unending creation. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Elias Popa was born April 7, 1987 to Romanian immigrants in California. After traveling between his home in Romania and throughout the United States, he continued his travels into his adulthood by moving to China, traveling Southeast Asia, South America and working with refugees. During his travels around the world, his worldview in art was deeply impacted. “My art expresses the struggle of identity and hope, worship and expressions of life. It explores common world views and challenges them. My work shines a light on the temporal solutions we put in place to replace what we really need deep inside”. As an installation artist, Elias uses conventional materials such as paper, wire, thread, and clothing to evoke a deeper understanding about social structures. His aim is to solidify abstract ideas about the nuances that make up sociological structures. By doing so, he retrains the eye to build a visual literacy again and treats the art as a fundamental language. He also studied dark room photography for 10 years, as well as writes poetry. Through his art, Elias started The Human Rights Network, a non for profit organization aimed at “telling stories that change lives.” The organization aims to build narratives through art that can impact social issues and generate activism. He currently works as a curator and manager of the esteemed Waterfall Mansion and Gallery on the Upper East Side, as well as the founder of the Human Rights Network. He resides on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where he works out of his home. He was the recipient of CFW’s artist vocational intensive, held at Princeton University. He also was selected on an Interfaith and Arts Panel at Columbia University, as well as regular participates in speaking engagements. Website Elias Popa About the Artist Artist in Residence 2018: Elias Popa Part 1 Artist in Residence 2018: Elias Popa Part 2 Artist in Residence 2018: Elias Popa Part 3 The Art of Kintsugi and Sacrifices in Sidewalks Elias Popa Other Works By Follow the development of Elias' project by reading his first , second , and third posts written as 2018 Artist in Residence. Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Sptuttlecropped Loading Video . . . Artist Sara Tuttle's layered work explores the theme of healing and John 11:40. John 11:40 Did I not tell you that if you believed...? By Sara Tuttle Credits: Artist Location: Virginia Curated by: Self-submitted 2014 17.5 x 14.5 inches Mixed media on paper Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link “Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) Context: Jesus has arrived in Bethany after Lazarus died, and the first thing that Martha says when she sees him is: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:21-22) She continues her affirmation in his power a few passages later by professing her belief that he is the Messiah (John 11:27). Yet, when they come to the tomb and Jesus says “take away the stone”, Martha protests, saying “But Lord…by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” (John 11:39). Martha is simply stating the reality of the present situation; one of death and decay. Yet, Jesus replies with a reproof for her to exercise the faith that she professed earlier: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” In this passage, Jesus’ is reminding her of her own faith and he makes an ‘if’ statement; directly linking her belief to her witness of the glory of God. I chose this passage because it is an exhortation for me to exercise what little faith I have in the Lord’s ability to resurrect the present realities of death and decay – not just within myself – but specifically for the neighborhood that I inhabit. The same message that Jesus gives Martha, he speaks to me (and to my local church) when the realities of injustice, violence, imprisonment, racial tension and poverty cloud our vision of the Shalom that God desires, and the glory that He contains. When all that we see is an already-dead man, sealed in a tomb, Jesus asks us to trust that he is at work and that he is a God of healing, redemption and resurrection. I made this painting while reflecting upon the ways in which I am called to continue in the work of generations of people before me who had a vision of healing and wholeness for this neighborhood that did not yet exist. In Hebrews 11:1 Paul tells us that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” and I believe that I am seeing the substance of the faith of believers that came before me just now coming to fruition in the neighborhood. Reflection upon the faithfulness of those who have professed Christ’s Lordship and gospel over this place in both prayers and action gives me assurance for the ways in which the Lord wants to honor my prayers and seeds of faith. In this piece, I represent how generations of human activity on the land intersect with the vision that God wants us to take hold of for both the present and future. In order to create the multiple layers of this piece I used the process of building up the surface, sealing it, partially removing layers through sanding and other means of scraping and then repeating the cycle. This process mirrors how I see history, unfolding on a city; the healing and damaging marks of generations, layered on the social and physical environment of my neighborhood. Both worn and dingy, this piece is also a pastel palette; conveying a sense of hope. The gold suggests moments of transfiguration of the old into new or ‘glory’ breaking through. The bulbs are Narcissus flowers (also known as Daffodils), which have long been associated with the season of Lent, symbolizing that Winter is still here while joyfully announcing transition into the coming season of Spring. Thus, they are signposts of resurrection; the new life that we see breaking forth today, as well as a promise of the greater, more full life that is to come. The bulbs, too, are worn and black and white; as if an old vision from the past that is being dusted off. This piece is a reminder and exhortation to myself that I am to live in the reality of the promises of God; to inhabit the Messiah’s vision in the present, if I am to see the Glory of God. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Sara Tuttle is a visual artist, residing in the neighborhood of Church Hill in Richmond, VA with her husband Sam. She grew up in Connecticut and studied Art and Art History at the University of Richmond. She taught high school at Church Hill Academy and worked for Church Hill Activities and Tutoring for three years, has since returned to making visual art and is currently applying to MFA programs. She has had two solo shows in Richmond and is excited about the future of her art-making practice as one of the avenues by which she continues to engage in the life of her community, neighborhood and city. Website Sara Tuttle About the Artist Sara Tuttle Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . In light of Genesis 4:1-15, Dan Evans’s one-act explores relationships after the death of a sibling. Genesis 4:1-15 Spaceship By Dan Evans Note: This play contains strong language and implications of violence and may not be suitable for all audiences. Credits: Curated by: Chris Cragin 2016 Script, One-Act Play Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link Inspired by the characters and familial relationships in the Genesis 4:1-15 story of Cain and Abel, I wrote Spaceship wanting to explore creatively the spiritual and emotional relationship between two brothers after one has passed away. I lost my own brother in an accident like the character Paul fourteen years ago. Even though my brother passed away in completely different circumstances, I tried imagining in this work what a conversation would maybe look and sound like if a surviving brother were to hypothetically be given the chance to sit down in a diner booth with his deceased brother and just talk (especially if that conversation only lasted for several minutes.) Would the reunion be angry? Joyful? Sad? How do we as human beings process death and the responsibility of it? Especially when it seems to make no sense and happens to those closest to us? These are the questions I hope my audience asks when they read or watch a performance of Spaceship . Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Dan Evans is a playwright and writer living in Brooklyn, NY. He recently graduated from The King’s College in New York City with a B.A. in Media, Culture, and the Arts. There he studied under playwright Chris Cragin Day and presented his senior thesis and play LUNGS (working title) in a reading directed by Christopher Domig. Dan’s other writing has been featured online on Thought Catalog, GLAAD, V magazine, and Vman magazine. Website Dan Evans About the Artist Dan Evans Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art Late evening. SPACESHIP opens to a 1950s styled restaurant booth sitting in the center of the stage. View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Late evening. SPACESHIP opens to a 1950s styled restaurant booth sitting in the center of the stage. Download Full Written Work

Scott Neely The Spirit 2 Ii 6 Full Painting Image Loading Video . . . In this moving work, artist Scott Neely continues his series in response to 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and ponders symbols of the Spirit: dove, waters of baptism, and sheer energy. 1 Corinthians 12:7 Three Meditations on the Spirit | 2 By Scott Neely Credits: Title: The Spirit Curated by: Marlanda Dekine 2017 60 x 11 inches Gouache on paper Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This peace, this breadth, this power in us all, for us all. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Scott Neely directs the Project for Community Transformation , an initiative to strengthen congregations to transform our communities. He works intensively with the social justice organization Speaking Down Barriers , which uses facilitated dialogue to build our life together across the differences that divide us. He is a graduate of Wofford College and Harvard Divinity School. Neely served at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC from 2006-2015, first as Director of Missions and then as Pastoral Executive. In April 2015 he presented a TEDx talk on race and racism entitled “ What Will I Teach My Son? ” A practicing artist, his work fuses writing, painting, and digital media. He writes: “My method balances expression and simplicity. I make visual poems: succinct, present, for the heart.” His work may be found at www.neelyprojects.com . Website Scott Neely About the Artist Three Meditations on the Spirit | 3 Three Meditations on the Spirit | 1 Scott Neely Other Works By VIEW THE REST OF THE SERIES: Three Meditations on the Spirit | 1 Three Meditations on the Spirit | 3 Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Playwright Caroline Turner Cole explores Jude 1:20-23 through the lens of addiction and the path of recovery in this one act script with a reading performed by Stacy Ann Strang, Alexandra Hulme, and Taylor LeBaron. Jude 1:20-23 Steps By Caroline Cole Credits: Vocal Performance Featuring: Stacy Ann Strang, Alexandra Hulme, and Taylor LeBaron Curated by: Lauren Ferebee 2017 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link This piece is a mix of my own experience and an image that kept reappearing grotesquely in my head as I read through Jude. While I am not an alcoholic, I have been through the 12-step program with a group of wonderful ladies as a way of discovering and recovering from co-dependent tendencies. It dramatically changed my life, how I relate to other people, think of God, sin and myself. While the program was originally created to help alcoholics get sober, it translates beautifully to work for any kind of addiction. And if we’re truly being honest, we’re all addicted to something – some things are just more culturally appropriate than others. Jude tells his readers to “show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh”. To always show mercy first, but to simultaneously not condone behavior that is harmful or hurtful. This garment stained by the flesh kept lodging itself in my brain as a sweater soaked in vomit. A garment more literally than figuratively stained by the flesh. Stinking, rotting, putrid, something you’d plug your nose to avoid and want to help your friend out of as soon as humanly possible. In this piece, this garment comes into play at a character’s absolute rock bottom point. The point that moves her to finally admit her weaknesses and seek help and recovery. At some point or another, most have had a similar moment, that moment where we realize we can’t do this life on our own, the moment we finally ask for help or guidance from a friend, a group, or God, the moment that changes forever the path we’ve been on and propels us in a new, better direction. My prayer is that this piece reminds you of those moments that changed you and the moments you helped changed others; that it moves you towards your next life changing moment and reminds you to look upon other struggling humans first with mercy, then plug your nose and get that sweater off them. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Caroline Cole is a theatre maker based in Dallas, TX. She works as an actor onstage and behind the voiceover mic, a writer, and a teaching artist. She is a proud playwright and actor with The Aviary, supporting local playwrights and creating an incubation space for new plays. Caroline studied theatre at the National Theatre Institute in Waterford, CT, finished her undergraduate degree in theatre performance from Rice University and graduate studies in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She firmly believes that nothing delights our Creator more than his creation being creative and is humbled by all the opportunities she has been given to tell stories. www.carolineturnercole.com Website Caroline Cole About the Artist Caroline Cole Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art STEP ONE PERSON, mid-30’s STEP FOUR/FIVE PERSON, late-20’s STEP TWELVE PERSON, mid-30’s View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . STEP ONE PERSON, mid-30’s STEP FOUR/FIVE PERSON, late-20’s STEP TWELVE PERSON, mid-30’s Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Composer Seth Little applies the message of Amos 5 to our current context in this bluesy, funky, "saucy" rock song. Amos 5 Seek Me and Live, Seek Good and Live By Seth Little Credits: Written and Composed by Seth Little Photo Credit: Art Ventures 2017, Fuller Theological Seminary All instruments by Seth Little Vox by Seth Little Backup Vox by Trevor St. John-Gilbert Curated by: Michael Markham 2018 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link I’ve tried to capture the major movements of Amos 5 in four sections. First, the organ intro represents the people of Israel offering worship to YHWH in a show of faithfulness while the shepherd of Tekoa makes his approach. With a loud knock on the door the prophet interrupts and begins to deliver his accusatory word from the Lord, following the outline of the text. The message isn’t all rebuke: YHWH adds his plea for repentance (“Seek me and live!”) in an altogether different and kinder tone. The song builds and finishes with the climactic imperative: “Let justice roll down, down, down, down…like a river.” And all this in what I think of as a “saucy rock” style. This text isn’t altogether foreign to those of us familiar with some of the current religious context in the United States. The Northern Kingdom of Israel is enjoying a period of unquestionable prosperity while maintaining a robust religious institution, but they’re neglecting the administration of justice in the courts. So, Amos, the outsider from Judah, assures these folks that God isn’t interested in their worship without justice. Let those who have ears hear. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Seth Little is Director of Worship arts at All Angels’ Church in New York City. He studied music in college and went to work in the church shortly afterward. Music and art were largely set aside for several years until Seth went to Fuller Theological Seminary and began a process of integrating art-making and Christian ministry into his sense of vocation. That process is still in full force. Seth and his wife live in Harlem with their three young kiddos. Website Seth Little About the Artist Seth Little 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 sharp-witted screenplay by writer Andrea Ang fleshes out Proverbs 1:20-33; 9:1-9,13-18 as it explores Wisdom and Folly. Proverbs 9:1-9 Proverbs 1:20-33 Proverbs 1:20-21 Proverbs 9:13-18 Housewarming By Andrea Ang Credits: Curated by: Megan Harrold and Rebecca Testrake 2019 Short Film Screenplay Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link The two images that stood out for me were houses and food and how these are treated differently in Wisdom and Folly. Although they both freely invite people to their homes, Wisdom's food is home-made and her words nourishing while Folly's is stolen and those that come to her "are deep in the realm of the dead". For me, Folly is like eating at an expensive restaurant: the food's good, portions are small and you're really paying for the atmosphere. One can only eat out so many times before getting sick of it or the satisfaction wears out. Wisdom is like a home-cooked meal: it might be simple but it warms the heart and stomach and really, I'd prefer to eat at home in the long run. I was very interested in this idea of a housewarming party and using stark visual contrasts for Wisdom and Folly's way of hosting a party. Folly (Madam Le Faux) lives in a house of extravagance, everything we see in her home is on full display, she has others doing the work for her. Her guests flock to her. Wisdom (Old Madam Chie- "Chie" is Japanese for Wisdom) on the other hand, lives in a small and cozy house, she lovingly takes time to prepare her meal for others. Her guests arrive very late but she waits patiently for them. By the end of the night, we see two very different results in each household. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Originally from Singapore, Andrea Ang is a NYC-based theatre-maker, writer and teaching artist. Her work has been seen in NYC (SITI Lab, Dixon Place, The Tank, Triskelion Arts), Maine (Barn Arts) and San Francisco (Fury Factory Festival). Her play, No Place, will be making its international debut at the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival in 2020, along with her company Square One Collective. Andrea is a graduate of SITI Company’s Conservatory program and holds a BA(Hons) in English Literature from the National University of Singapore. Website Andrea Ang About the Artist Andrea Ang Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art EXT. THE GATES OF A LUXURIOUS MODERN MANSION A man is changing the sign of the mansion. He has just scrapped off the old sign and is installing the new one View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . EXT. THE GATES OF A LUXURIOUS MODERN MANSION A man is changing the sign of the mansion. He has just scrapped off the old sign and is installing the new one Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Staci M partnered with Spark & Echo Arts, producing a new episode in her anime-style animation series to bring sight and sound to John 1:6-10. John 1:6-10 Who I Am By Staci "Takkun" M Credits: Curated by: Dan Musselman 2017 Cartoon, Anime Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link I'm an always-enthusiastic animator creating culture-defining cartoons! Growing up with 90's cartoons, I felt a lot of them had an inherent darkness and negativity that really made me uncomfortable when I watched them. Therefore, I strive to make colorful, vibrant, and contextually uplifting cartoons. I don't animate solely to entertain, but to share the Gospel and show the world who Christ really is. I'm highly inspired by the animation style of Japan; specifically, Hayao Miyazaki. To mimic his style, I design photoshop puppets and animate them in After Effects. It's my fastest, cleanest, most vibrant, and simple animation style. My goal is to make a difference through animation, and what better way than to go ye into all the world wide web? Click here to view the first episode. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Staci “Takkun” M is a freelance, 2D animator working professionally since 2016. She specializes in After Effects Puppet animation with a wide range of skills from sound design to scriptwriting. Staci graduated from the University of Northwestern St. Paul, cum laude , with a Bachelor’s of Science in Digital Media Arts and Animation, and she is currently working as an intern for Essence Cartoon animation studio. She has had her work featured in the UNW Animation and Illustration Showcase 2016-2017; her work has also been featured in the Christian Arts Festival by Trinity School at River Ridge 2016, and will be featured in the upcoming UNW 24th Annual Juried Exhibition 2017. Her current projects include: creating animations to market a large, Twitch gaming channel; creating a Star Wars: The Last Jedi musical parody; creating “memes” for Relidicious , and beginning episode 3 of the Who I AM Christian Anime. She currently resides in suburbia outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Website Staci “Takkun" M About the Artist Staci “Takkun" M Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Loading Video . . . Blues band Kenyon Adams & American Restless sing the Psalms as Blues. Here they bring to life the wails of Psalms 25 and 91 through "Shame", a song written by Noah Lekas. Psalms 25 Psalms 91 Shame By Kenyon Adams & American Restless Credits: Words and Music by Noah Lekas Musicians: Kenyon Adams & American Restless, featuring Noah Lekas Artist Location: New York City Curated by: Spark+Echo Arts 2012 Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link About the song, by Noah Lekas: I really liked the idea of contending with God for His name’s sake – as if to say, “I know I am not worth helping, but You have to help me because of who You are.” So the song is sort of exploring that and this idea of being completely out numbered and surrounded in a Psalm 91 Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection The personal histories of Kenyon Adams and Noah Lekas (American Restless) have converged at the crossroads of the blues, where black music of the American south meets the Midwest, much as it did during the 1950's as many southern blacks (including Muddy Waters and Little Walter) head north from their share-cropping communities to seek job opportunities and play for dollars on the city streets. The blues was never nihilistic but presented a gut-wrenchingly honest spirituality which was, in it's deep concern for the human situation, both theologically and philsophically concerned. The music of Kenyon Adams & American Restless seeks to represent these aspects of the blues in our post-post modern setting in which we live among a generation which, while being privileged & educated to an unprecedented degree, is perhaps more confused and discontented than any in recent history. To this picture and in this scenario we wish to contribute our own "cries" out to God in solidarity with all who struggle to reconcile inner longings with the besieging cruelty of the mundane. Website Kenyon Adams & American Restless About the Artist Kenyon Adams & American Restless Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

Contended And Retain Linda Smith, Contended Linda Smith, Retain Loading Video . . . The work of artist Linda Smith celebrates female forms while reflecting on the attention paid to women in Numbers 27:6-7. Numbers 27:6-7 Contended and Retain By Linda Smith Credits: Curated by: Michael Markham 2019 Mixed Materials Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link In my newest body of work, I have created different 3-dimensional shapes. Using organic materials such as pig bladder, gauze, hemp, pantyhose and various fabrics, I weave together multiple womblike forms using a variety of processes including burning, alternatively exposing and concealing the interior. My objective in working with such varied physical properties and materials is to create a world of weightless spheres that provide a temporary haven from outside elements. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Linda Smith is an artist and art educator who helped start a non-profit with her partner Prossy Yohana while living in Kigali, Rwanda, called the “ TEOH Project ”, which provides cameras and art classes to children in Rwanda, Ghana and Bronx, NY. She has been commissioned by the UN to provide photographic classes to survivors and former perpetrators of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. She earned an MFA from the University of Connecticut. Her work has been exhibited in the United Nations, Embassies and Universities. Instagram: @laughing_linda Website Linda Smith About the Artist Linda Smith Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work

See Brian S Chan 1 Loading Video . . . Pastor, author, and painter Brian S. Chan's work See reflects the theme of "poverty" from Mark 10:46-52 and Luke 18:35-43. Mark 10:46-52 Luke 18:35-43 See By Brian S. Chan Credits: Artist location: Los Angeles Curated by: Brian Dang 2014 13.5 x 12.5 inches Charcoal and Acrylic on Paper Primary Scripture Loading primary passage... Loading Passage Reference... Share This Art: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy Link I think of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, who had not seen anything for many years or perhaps his entire life. Thought of as stricken by God, this beggar was impoverished not only in money but also in social acceptance. I picture the real poverty of this man was indicated by his weathered and worn face after years of begging in the streets under the sun and surviving in harsh conditions – a poor lifestyle that would’ve easily aged a man. He showed his faith in Jesus by crying out to him in spite of the public’s scorn. He called for Jesus to have mercy on him. “Mercy” was his cry. Perhaps this poor man understood that his poverty was not just physical but spiritual. When Jesus asked what he could do for him, Bartimaeus did not ask for unlimited money, a castle on a hill or the pleasures of royalty, for those would’ve seemed too small in comparison to what he actually asked for! He asked for something that could only from the vast resources of God – sight. It was understood then that the only being that could make the deaf hear, the mute speak or the blind see was God. This kind of healing was a direct act of the Creator, the one who made the ears, mouth and eyes. The healing of blindness not only meant physical sight but the implication of mercy, forgiveness and acceptance by God. So as I contemplated this incident, I captured the very moment of Bartimaeus receiving the lavishing miracle of Jesus, the moment he experienced the riches of divine glory pouring over him and his eyes began to see. As the darkness faded, the first thing he saw was his Savior Jesus. What must he have felt or thought? Red traditionally represented the blood of Christ, signifying God’s ultimate grace. The nature of the gift to Bartimaeus was founded on grace. Bartimaeus did not work for it or earn it. He simply believed that Jesus was the second person of the triune God who had the power to lavish such a gift on an undeserving man. Gold traditionally represented divinity, signifying that Bartimaeus received a divine gift from the riches of God’s hand. I’m touched by the comedic and wonderful twist at the end of the story. Jesus told him, “Go, your faith has healed you.” That is, you can go live your life now with your new sight. But Bartimaeus did not go away from Jesus. He followed Jesus. Discipleship was prompted by the lavishing of rich grace by the Son of God. Spark Notes The Artist's Reflection Brian S. Chan is a Church Planting Pastor of Re-Create Church in Los Angeles; professor at Biola University, teaching a theology/philosophy of beauty; author of The Purple Curtain: Living Out Beauty in Faith and Culture from a Biblical Perspective ; BA in psychology & BA in sociology from UC Davis, ThM in historical theology and MA in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary, and DMin in philosophy from Talbot School of Theology; married to Ellen and foster father of two baby boys. Website Brian S. Chan About the Artist Brian S. Chan Other Works By Related Information View More Art Make More Art View Full Written Work Close Loading Video . . . Download Full Written Work