Freedom Painting

“Freedom”

Mixed Media: Acrylic, ink, charcoal, paper, fabric on canvas

36x40inches

Abstract artwork is one of my favorite types of artwork and I’ve began to explore the many facets of this fascinating and rewarding method of creation. I have found the artist can say so much with so little!

In an attempt to help you, the viewer, to enter into this new painting with understanding, I’d like to share a few of my thoughts as I worked out the conceptualization of this piece.

As always, there are two interpreters to any artwork- first, the artist with their intentions and second, the viewer, with their background and experiences. I hope you will find common ground with me through this artwork, as I talk about personal growth and sanctification through the imagery..

Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then , and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

This painting uses imagery of a chain, flower, maps, notebook paper, and paths of color. These all work together to show a glimpse inside the sanctifying process of personal growth.

First, the heavy chain. The chain represents our bondage to sin or wrong thinking. One link of the chain is very specifically painted and the other links are depicted loosely; showing that when we first recognize our “problem” we see that one part very clearly, but it’s often not the only part of the issue. Usually there are more things interrelated and tied up into it, represented by the other chain links.

Next to the chain is a dingy map. Maps are used to give direction. In this case, this map has been tainted. This map is just not sufficient to lead us to truth. Yes, it’s a map, but not the map we truly need for finding our way.

The vibrant orange color reflects our sometimes intense emotion in dealing with our problems. Anger and guilt, embarrassment and shame are usually all wrapped up together in dealing with our inner lives. But thankfully, out of the orange color comes pathways.

These pathways lead to new clean map! A white map is at the top of the chain and is supporting the blooming flower. These pathways can be various things that the Lord uses to bring us out of the pit. Sometimes scripture aids our healing through the work of the Spirit in our inmost parts. Sometimes it’s a timely word from a friend that brings hope to our thinking. Sometimes these pathways are from a class or by learning new ways to process and move forward. The pathways are important for getting “unstuck”.

Lastly, we see the blooming flower., next to the notebook paper. Personally, when I work out my thoughts and feelings, oftentimes I write down exactly what I’m thinking. This has been a healthy way to process my thoughts and see where they align or don’t align with truth. I wanted to show the flower interrelated with the paper to signify that when we put in the work to grow, we will bloom!

To those of us who are Christians, our ultimate freedom is found in Christ. He broke the bonds of slavery to sin when we triumphed over death on the cross. We are no longer slaves to sin, fear, and doubt! Halleluiah! We are free in Him!

This painting also holds a special importance for me personally and was birthed out of walking through a clarity season with my own journey with my creative practice. For a while I’ve felt tangled up with vision and decisions and desperately needed help navigating the myriad of thoughts and options in the art world. So, I spent many months working directly with a creative clarity group, lead by Court McCracken. Together we aimed at gaining clarity and resilience within our creative practice, and it has helped me tremendously! It was very freeing and rewarding experience for me personally. I found hope, closure, and a changed outlook about my role and responsibility in the arts. I am deeply thankful and appreciative of that process and all the help I gained through that experience. Sometimes it hurts to grow because it stretches us in new ways, but I’ve found that it’s always worth it!

“Freedom” is available for purchase here