"For it is You who lights my lamp, the Lord my God lightens my darkness." Psalm 18
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The sketch this week was a simple one ~ my camera. I am never quite sure of myself when I start new sketches (are you?).
And this one seemed so...silly?
There is strong validation in images, colors, verses, single words that revisit our thoughts. And if they end up in our sketches...it is a really good to pay attention. Remember, if an idea circles around and around, and comes to you again -- you had better get out a pen. Yes and amen?
So silly it is...and I sketched it in pencil and pen in my notebook.
my art ~ my heart
With inspiration from the black backgrounds I am constantly drawn to, and the wildness of color that kept showing up at the top of the pile, I cut out bits of lens and camera body from a wide variety of papers.
It looked like a jumbled mess of trips I have taken over the past few years: a desert we just visited, Park Guell in Barcelona, a beach in Palma, a city street in NYC, hiking maps. I liked the bits of memories.
Then I reached for the paint~
"You are God who equips me with strength" Psalm 18
In the midst of this cutting and assemblage, I will be honest, I have been working on my backbone.
Listing all the things I want to do this fall, I found myself completely overwhelmed and then I lost my courage. I was struggling with ideas of weakness and inability. Instead of seeing what I was skilled at, I was stalled by fear, and I lost my lens of clarity.
Has this happened to you too?
The strong words on this piece became a beacon of God's push & pull on me.
I needed to re-visit where my strength really stands~
"I love you, O Lord, my strength" Psalm 18
The creative process is at times a hard & healing one. It can undo us in brokenness and bind us up in encouraging new growth. It is a God-tool -- bringing us to a more real place with who we really are.
I needed the reminding help. I am strong in Him. My feet are firmly planted and my heart is new. I am being pushed and I am able. And every little thing is going to be all right~
Once again I see the *goodness in silliness*. A simple sketch can be cathartic in it's simplicity ~ a clear and simple way to reach a head and heart. I love it.
God is in the details ~ always ~
Yes and amen,
in layers of paint,
jj
Love this! Drawing a camera makes perfect sense to me. Kind of like a reflection of your art. I'm kinda in a holding pattern myself. I have these ideas spinning around but don't seem to follow through. No guts, no glory. I need to do something about that!
ReplyDeletegorgeous - such a wonderful idea and so happy to see you followed through on your initial inspiration. the black background you are drawn to right now is perfect and your words are once again so inspiring
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! Nothing is simple is it? But then I realize that God has given a gift so why do we muck it all up with so much of ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI love how you phrased "I found myself completely overwhelmed and then I lost my courage. I was struggling with ideas of weakness and inability. Instead of seeing what I was skilled at, I was stalled by fear, and I lost my lens of clarity."
I am feeling this too. I have a new excitement about my work, but then feel completely incompetent and untalented. Fear creeps in like inky water and fills all the spaces that had light and inspiration in them.
I look forward to more from you!
This so beautiful, love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to each new work of art.I love how it reflects the work of art which is YOU. Keep looking through the lens that is clear.His lens.
ReplyDeletehi junelle, I found myself "led" to your blog this morning via one blog to another, to another, then here. God knew I needed to feel peace of mind this morning and I discovered it here, in your creative world. I felt great peace peeking into your life. It is beautiful, and that comes out in your words, your photographs, and your art. thank you.
ReplyDeleteMan, you are amazing...
ReplyDeleteSo much peace w/in your words...they speak to me & make my heart smile. Great canvas idea w/ the layers of papers to "paint" your camera w/...gorgeous colors! Blessings ~H♥~
ReplyDeleteJunelle... I *love* this piece! It is gorgeous! I think we all need that reminding help every now and then. That is why we make the art we do, as gentle reminders. :) I can not wait to hear and see what is on your list for this fall. I'm sure it would inspire me! ♥
ReplyDeleteTruly stunning!! Love, love.
ReplyDeletei cannot put into words what this art does to me... its a combination of your art your words and your faith... it gets into the deepest parts of my soul.
ReplyDeleteJunelle, you rock - you truly do. You're one Godly plucky girl and you have such a blessed way of inspiring. I love this piece so much - if it comes up for sale let me know. I'm smitten with the black background! It really talks to me.
ReplyDeletexo
Excellent colors, good job. Beautiful sketch, I love these three cameras.
ReplyDeleteI Like!
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Just plain stunning!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a talent you have Junelle!!
And my word verification?...prays
ReplyDeleteI am blown away, Junelle! I MUST own a piece of your work to inspire me everyday too!
ReplyDeleteThese camera prints are so cute...I'm sure that you'll be selling them very fast! I think that you're onto something here...lol I so like the simpleness of your sketch and how it's all coinciding with life right now. Hope you have a wonderful week. Fondly, Roberta
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful piece, really love vintage feel, the distressed background really sets off all the rest. And a hearty amen to your post, well said.
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteReally nice Junelle!
ReplyDeleteToday I felt stopped in my path, yes mostly by fear and my own negative tapes. I decided to blog hop and started with Margo Mohney and found you through her links. God does work in wonderful ways. This post and your words are what I needed to read today! Thank you & Amen!
ReplyDeleteJunelle, this piece is so so BREATHTAKING. Really truly love it.
ReplyDeleteI may have to make my own camera! May I link to your post to share my inspiration? Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for blessing my heart today. The Lord brought me here to see I am not alone. I too do not stand boldly and have laid wasted given to my fleshy fears. He speaks to me and reminds me who I am, as do you. God Bless.
ReplyDelete