Hope in Trying Times — September 2020
The art in this gallery addresses the confusion, loss and ambiguities related to this season of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the certainty of God’s sovereignty, love and goodness. We are not in any way immune to the risks and fears of these times, but as Jesus-followers we have a sure hope that pervades our lives and sustains us as we walk the path God has prepared. As artists we care for our communities and desire to be a Gospel light as we promote flourishing and the common good.
Makoto Fujimura in his book, Culture Care, talks about his kind of role for the artist who honestly begins with “identification and articulation of brokenness” and “invites people onward towards beauty, wholeness, and healing.” So how does art fit into a worshipful Godly response to pandemic anxieties and losses? What does beauty have to do with it? He says, “But even if … beauty is not necessary to our daily survival, it is still necessary for our flourishing. Our sense of beauty and our creativity are central to what it means to be made in the image of a creative God. The satisfaction in beauty we feel is connected deeply with our reflection of God’s character to create and value gratuity. It is part of our human nature. This is why our soul hungers for beauty.”
We hope you enjoy our art and more than that, we hope the exhibition will inspire deeper worship of Jesus in your life today.
“Unity in Trying Times”
Chalk Art by the Chapel Community
On July 19, 2020 the Chapel Community gathered in the parking lot to praise the Lord. For example, check out how groups met outside during Ezra and Nehemiah’s day to hear the Word of the Lord—
Ezra 3:13
“…so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the shout of joy from the sound of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard far away.”
Maybe our loud singing to the Lord was heard by those who are passing by on Laskin Rd. In addition to singing, we created a piece of chalk art that celebrated our unity as a community of Jesus followers who are experiencing trying times. Our art invited participation and expression of our unity and hope and love. Our art invited us to be like Jesus, making peace and sharing his love that draws us together. Our art expressed the varied experiences of folks in our community—sometimes we have been happy and sometimes sad. But that said, the rays of the Son’s light are shining on us.
“Power to Tread”
by Chris Heidt
The pandemic has served to remind me of my need to trust in God's protection. If you take a look at Psalm 91, it reads very much like an agreement, a contract. Like every contract, there are two parties involved, each with an obligation to fulfill. All that is required of us is to trust in the Most High, and say what we believe He is doing for us as our shield and our fortress. His part is to protect us from plagues and pestilences. Not only are we protected from Satan's nasty assaults, according to verse 13, we are given power to tread upon lions and cobras. Jesus, perhaps reflecting upon Psalm 91, speaks of having given his disciples, and those who belong to Him, the authority to trample over all the power of the enemy, in Luke 10:19, and in the other gospels. I choose to believe this: we have authority. I created this image to remind Christians that they have power given to them by God to tread over anything the enemy throws at them, including Covid-19.
“Chrysalis”
by Susan Hall
A haiku—
Caterpillar sleep,
Dreaming dreams of wings to come
Hope filled chrysalis
As he builds his cocoon, does the caterpillar conceive that what lies ahead is not death, but unimaginable metamorphosis?
“Pandemic Series: Hope Flows Down”
by Mike Lane
This work emerges from a monoprint pour. That is, it starts with laying a piece of paper over ink and pigments that are flowing and mixing without direction from the artist. After the one-of-a-kind print is made and dries, brushed ink and watercolor are applied and the subject hidden within the rather abstract configuration of forms emerges. The “Hope Flows Down” print turned into a mountain with a system of waterfalls flowing from a high and huge fountainhead. In these trying times, I have found grace and strength and life come from Jesus. He is high & lifted up and sufficient, and His grace reaches me.
“Pandemic Series: Hope Springs Up”
by Mike Lane
This work emerges from a monoprint pour. That is, it starts with laying a piece of paper over ink and pigments that are flowing and mixing without direction from the artist. After the one-of-a-kind print is made and dries, brushed ink and watercolor are applied and the subject hidden within the rather abstract configuration of forms emerges. The “Hope Springs Up” print became an old decaying stump, but look, there is a delicate but healthy pine sapling sprouting out of the decaying bark. During these trying times, hope comes as we see seeds of God’s grace and purpose spring up in the midst of our confusion and suffering.
“Pandemic Series: Hope Springs Up II”
by Mike Lane
“Hope Springs Up II” was done during the same pour session. The red mushrooms and liverwort flowers of the forest floor are part of the transformative process among the decaying timber. During the pandemic looking for positive transformative processes, even beautiful ones, is part of believing Romans 8:28. God is working.
“The Year Of The Lord’s Favor”
by Samantha Ewing
When I consider hope, I am drawn to the joy I feel when I consider the children we are raising in the church who will venture into this world overflowing with the strength & wisdom bestowed upon them by the LORD.
Isaiah 61:1-3
“…to give them a beautiful headdress, instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint-spirit that they may be called oaks of righteousness.”