Original artwork description:

This abstract landscape began as a collage of watercolor and oil pieces, which were torn so that there would be no cut edge, to better emphasize the single straight, blue-purple stroke at the horizon line, which was inspired by the words of Isaiah, as quoted in the Gospel of Mark (1:1-8): “A voice of one crying out in the desert; Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” The idea is that the high places will be brought low and the valleys filled in to speed the journey. This Scripture passage is part of the collage, which was mounted onto canvas and then over-painted in oils, using dynamic brushstrokes to express the transformation that happens in our lives when we remove the distractions of modern life, when we spiritually enter a place of prayer and reflection, when we open our lives to encounter the healing, life-giving love of God. From ancient times to the present, the desert has been such a place, but we need not travel to an actual desert to benefit from taking an honest look at ourselves. And just as John the Baptist called the people of his time to prepare the way of the Lord, that call is meant for people of every generation to make straight the way in our own heart, mind and soul. This painting has been given a satin varnish for protection, and hanging hardware is already installed.

Materials used:

watercolor paper, paint, canvas

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