Creativity Takes Courage

Electronic Art

Sketches of Family Members 2

Sketches of Family Members 2

Sketches of family 1

Original sketch 5" x 7"

Sketches of family

Psalm100 on Mt Hermon Baptist Church

24" x 30" Mixed Medium

Psalm100 on Mt Hermon Baptist Church 

There were several reasons why I decided to join MHBC. One of the primary reasons was that I wanted the same contentment as my mom had since joining. She seemed different once she joined the church. Things didn't seem to bother her as much as it used to. I couldn't have the same thing that she had, because every person experiences are different. But what I realize was that I needed to develop a personal relationship with God. That's what was missing from my life. I needed a closer relationship with God.

I wanted the tools that were necessary to help understand God's words.

It was wonderful going to church services, attending Sunday school and weekday Bible study. I looked forward to every Sunday, surrounded by problems at work, problems with every day people. It was refreshing to enter the doors of the church with smiling faces and warm greetings. And I greeted them warmly as well. One of the church leaders approach me one Sunday and asked me, "Why are you always smiling?"
 I didn't even realize that was the case. I told her to be honest, after dealing with nonsense during the week, it was refreshing to enter the Lord’s house in praise and thanksgiving.

This person gave me an odd look, then nodded her head in agreement and started to laugh, she said," Well you're right about that! " 

Bishop Wenzell P. Jackson did a sermon one day based on psalm 100. And how he noticed a lot of grim faces entering the church.

I connected to the sermon immediately.

Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying, everyone has good days and bad days. But sometimes, ummmm, we can carry negative energy, specially if it's someone else's. We end up carry that negative energy with us everywhere and don't even know why. And it can fester inside us. But if we take the time and think of the wonderful things in our life, for example, "I woke up this morning", "I have my right frame of mind", "I can walk without anyone's help".

Some people emotionally want to attend church services, but physically not able to or verse versa. So I don't have much to complain about.

And this sermon helps me to understand why I smile sometimes while entering the church doors.

I am basically a negative person so I have to work really hard to see the glass half full at all times. So I was inspired based on the sermon, and the psalm 100 to complete this painting of my church.

The psalms 100 were painted repeatedly from the top to the bottom of the building, giving the illusion by way of bricks but up close you can read Psalms 100.

Psalm 100 King James Version (KJV)

100 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

The Last Supper

24" x 36" Acrylics on canvas

The Last Supper

I mentioned some time ago on this blog that I enjoyed certain challenges. What in the world was I thinking when I decided to do a remake of the last supper. Presently on display at Mount Hermon Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

The size was a challenge because I don't think I have a work this large of my life. It was amusing watching my niece’s reaction. She would watch me as I would place together the sketches. Deciding on the placement of each of the characters was challenge because I was afraid to make mistakes. I decided to push fear out by the way! You can't hold on to fear. That's not what Art is about! 
The research was another task to overcome. I love Leonardo DA Vinci's Version of the Last Supper, but I simply wanted to tackle it and use a more humble/rustic scene. I remember asking The late Bishop Jackson for guidance, even with art history knowledge, I wanted to do it right. I asked him about how it was back in the time, his answer was always been how is in the Bible. I took the as a cue as read your Bible, girl!……. LOL. I understood his response because everyone has their interpretation of the environment during the Last Supper with Jesus and his disciples. It was important for me to read and study the Bible. It was up to me to do complete research to illustrate my interpretation of the last supper so I thought...... My little helper, my niece, Jocelyn, really came through. This young lady has the combination of Sunday school knowledge since the age of four. Also, she has been in Catholic school since the first grade. She is extraordinary.

One thing that Leonardo DA Vinci had that I didn't was obviously, a commission to create a mural as a church restoration by his Paton, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan Italy. I kid you not, I really study years of art history from high school and throughout college. I am surprised that I remembered anything from the classes. 

The materials and supplies came out of my pocket. This was a passion project and I wanted to see it through. I want to see it completed.

The Bishop Jackson was so amazed about the completed painting, he wanted to discuss with the church for possible purchases……

Father and son in Praise

18" x 24" Acrylic on canvas board

Father and son in Praise

The inspiration for this painting was to celebrate the extraordinary bond between a father and his son. The bond is usually, if you're fortunate, filled with kindness, support, and compassion. Perhaps these are the main factors needed to teach a boy to become a man, a strong man. This fascinating relationship, becomes even stronger when the father teaches his son how to develop a strong relationship with God through praising.

My plans for a future painting is flip the script and explore the relationship between father and daughter and mother and son.

When will I find the time? I don't know! But because It's in my heart, it might be sooner than I think.

Mother and daughter in prayer

Mother and daughter in prayer 

 The inspiration for this painting was to celebrate the strong bond between a mother and daughter. The bond is usually, if you're fortunate, is very supportive, nurturing, resilient, and unconditional. With all those factors in the mix, this amazing relationship, becomes even stronger when the mother teaches her daughter how to develop a strong relationship with God through prayer.

......... I have seen some daughters have mothers who were not physically or emotionally available for various reasons, rise above their circumstances and determined to be the moms they never had.