The Upper Room

Bombarded perhaps by duties, problems and fatigue we can fall into a place that people call: "Funk". To me it sounds like a place we put ourselves; thinking we cannot help it. Perhaps there are those that cannot help it and may need to be lifted. For ourselves with faith we can trust in waiting, like those in the upper room before Jesus appeared. We can, in our challenges and brokenness, plug into the Cross of Christ, and be yolked with Him for the purpose of something greater: The resurrection of Himself... and ourselves with Him. Let us be aware that this can come to us now, as a great peace even through the closed doors of our uneasy hearts. That God himself will come to us. Are we waiting or fretting? In the difficult circumstances that arise let us allow the gift of the Holy Spirit to change Funk to Fun...and even Joy in what we are called to do. May God's Peace raise us up to a higher place and eliminate any F's in our world, helping us be thankful...even in the dark. Happy Easter! Jane

Beyond Systems

Sometimes we try to intellectually understand ourselves within a system that will bring about a certain desired outcome. Thinking that like electronics bound to some motherboard we will do what we were designed to by this system. However, we are broken, fallen, weak and ultimately needing a relationship with our Creator. Something I suppose even microchips need from us. In any case, a system becomes individual and can be understood by the one who set it up. For an artist it may involve painting, for a writer, words; for the faithful, prayer. My system involves faith in God and its foundation is Jesus. We are individual and special and use many systems to find our way. In the end we become Love which is greater than our faults, and the Ultimate System. Blessed Holy Week to you! Jane

Weaving

Cedar blades bended, folded, moistened and woven gave way to making this vessel...a basket. This allowed me to contemplate how we are woven by our experiences and people we come in contact with, sometimes needing to be unwound before we fit together well. As we become the fabric of life we contribute to the expression of God's special gifts. Baskets may be filled with many things, as we together can hold much more than ourselves. We may touch and support each other while the weaving of providence continues to form something increasingly beautiful. May God's love be woven into your day. Jane

In White

Serenity, Divinity, Captivation, Peace, A New Garment, and Praise..... "In White" was meant to be an expression of something good. This Abstract Expression just received an Award of Excellence at the Federation of Canadian Artists Abstract Show (February 2012). I cannot recall exactly what this painting was initiated by: Perhaps experiencing snow, clouds, fabric, homes and mist. However in my heart it was probably something to do with Communion. Perhaps I was becoming more pure by painting it... In any case, it is something I am happy with and am glad that it touched the Jury in some way too. We can strive for excellence in many areas of our lives while God perfects us from within. Jane

Demonstration

Painting infront of an audience should have been nerve racking and the noise at Cypress Lodge where I demonstrated this weekend was nothing like the quite of nature that I was use to when painting on location. However I wanted to paint snow and this perfect opportunity presented itself at the Lodge. The interesting thing was that once I started it was exactly as if I was on my own, the noise was not audible, I was relaxed and excited at the same time and was able to concentrate on mixing colour and using my big brush in the comfort of a warm and dry environment. I chatted with people and completed an impression of the ski hill covered with new snow. What more could be perfect. I thank God for this because it was an answered prayer. A realization that with him everything is possible. I am doing it again next weekend too. God is good... all the time! Jane

Artist at Work

Having an opportunity to watch an artist at work engages our senses and perhaps our soul. I found myself anticipating the artists next move as he worked but realized the purposeful action was best to develop from its initial source and the viewer to explore its completion. It seems that artists and art unites something beyond the form to creation itself, which we are all part of and that we can all enjoy. You can check out Chris Mackenzie's unique nature inspired pieces at www.chrismackenzie.com. May we contemplate creations around us daily and perhaps our own purposes in them while striving for Happy New Year. Jane