Intention and Purpose of this show
My intention and purpose for this show was to explore the meaning of forgiveness through a Christian perspective. I began by reading the Gospels of Mark and Luke, looking for specific passages that I felt related to forgiveness. I asked myself different questions such as: What is forgiveness? Is forgiveness given, taken, or both? What sort of requirements are there in order to be forgiven or to give forgiveness to another or to our own self?
I felt that my own answers I discovered to these and other questions truly began to build a landscape that defines what I see as the story of forgiveness. As I began to plan and build the show, I discovered that forgiveness, although simple and straight forward in essence can be a very complicated issue.
Much depends on how deeply intertwined our own human thoughts and emotions are with the issue needing forgiveness and with the strength of foundation upon which we do the forgiving.
Earth & Spirit I
Pieced Fabrics, 3D Puff, Quilted
32" H x 33" W x 3" D
Collection of the Artist
The Landscape of Forgiveness, a solo show presented in 2004
Purpose
Painted Fabric, Pieced Fabric, Mixed Media, 3D, Quilted
49" H x 29" W x 4" D
Collection of the Artist
Purpose hangs between two works representing the Holy Spirit and God (see below) and is a cross shape created from the images of antique bicycle tools. The cross-shape represents Christ's destiny to fulfill his Duty to Himself, Man, and God. The tools represent that which is familiar and of the Earth. The cross represents a doorway to an unfamiliar, and faith driven future, a union between Man and God.
Gallery view.
Manna
Painted Fabric, 3D, Quilted, Tied
45" H x 33" W x 3" D
Collection of the Artist
Manna, by definition, means "spiritual nourishment of divine origin". This "divine nourishment" is an important tool in the process of understanding the nature of forgiveness. This contemporary painting of sky and mountains represents what is familiar. Beautiful landscapes are often a source of creative inspiration and spiritual renewal, and from a Christian perspective, are always a gift from God.
In God's Hands, Detail of quilting
In God's Hands
Quilted Fabric Painting
40" H x 94" W
Collection of the Artist
The different shapes in the painting represent our own human uniqueness and individuality. The different colored shapes form one large irregular shape, which represents the idea that we can only be completely whole if we surrender ourselves completely to God.
Faith Divine
Painted, Pieced Fabric, 3D Puff Technique
42-5/8" H x 29-5/8" W x 5" D
Collection of the Artist
This work is an abstract depiction of Christ's death on the cross and ascension to the Father in heaven. The circles represent God's unending love and that this love transcends all evil and diversity. Through Christ's own Faith, he was able to complete His work and be victorious. The title, Faith Divine, speaks to Christ's own faith and obedience and His understanding of human emotions, and most especially His strength and will to complete His Work.
Complete Surrender
Painted, Pieced Fabric, 3D Mixed Media, Quilted
70" H x 27" W x 3" D
Collection of the Artist
In both this work and the one below, the leaf prints paradoxically represent both death and life. When a leaf comes to the end of its life on the tree, falling to the ground, it then deteriorates and begins to nourish the roots of the tree that it just fell from. Each spring, the tree unfailingly shoots forth new leaves, which grow and mature to complete the cycle.
Eternal Gift
Painted, Pieced Fabric, 3D Mixed Media, Quilted
71" H x 33" W x 3" D
Collection of the Artist
Veracious Truth
Painted, Pieced Fabric, Quilted, 3D Frame
29" H x 71" W x 4-1/2" D
Private Collection
After completing a stroll around the gallery, the viewer turns to the center of the room.
Strength Within
Painted Fabric, Pieced, 3D Mixed Media, Quilted
21" H x 29" W x 22" D
Collection of the Artist
The two bowls shown above and below represent God's presence in and among all things. Earlier pieces in the show speak to the idea that Man often thinks he can live without God. Yet, at the same time, Man is aware of a certain responsibility he has to God, although Man often chooses not to acknowledge this responsibility. The bowls are meant to provide comfort to the viewer and also an awareness that no matter where in the room you walk, the bowls are always within view. We can not hide from God. This mirrors the idea that God is always with us and therefore forgiveness is always within reach.
Steadfast Comfort
Painted Fabric, Pieced, 3D Mixed Media, Quilted
16" H x 32" W x 27" D
Collection of the Artist
The Landscape of Forgiveness is really a journey in understanding that Man, Earth, Responsibility, Trust, Faith, Love, God and Salvation are all working together in a complicated harmony that Man must continually explore and celebrate.