Faith from my studio

God in the Storm:  The Safest Place

This is the safest place in the storm. God offers to scoop us up. Though he does not necessarily take us out of the storm, with him we are secure in the knowledge that he understands the storm and how long it will be! He both promises to keep us on his hand throughout and points us in the right direction. And, even though we aren't physically together, we are drawn into his community. The 'life jackets' that we turn to for security may come in different guises, and keep us from going under, but I believe God is the only one who can lift us fully above the waves. That has certainly been my experience! (You can read more about this here.)

God in the Storm: Trust without Borders

This painting is about a child, but also applies to how we might feel... The child may seem precariously placed, without all the protection and safety that could be offered, but this picture shows a Heavenly Father who would say he has that child balanced on his finger tip! Our children seem so vulnerable, but as we put them in his presence, they are under his care. It's a place of trust! We can choose to trust him more profoundly. Even if the waves are high, my hope remains in God's affirming presence through the storm and beyond, as light breaks through on the horizon.

God in the Storm: Hide me in the Shelter

"For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in His dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." (Psalm 27:5, of David)

Many have experienced a day of trouble this last year, and at other points in life also. I felt inspired to paint this particularly for those who have felt at times in the very eye of the storm when the waves stop you from seeing anything other than cold spray and salt... And this is when my God says, come, just huddle into my protective presence, a safe place to be comforted and restored, revived by his company and by the Holy Spirit. So you can get back out there loving people, saving lives or just doing what's needed for today on the face of our planet.

God in the Storm: The Rock on which I stand

This is the first of a set on the theme of waves, and the storm that has been Covid-19. This is actually based on an image that I use as my WhatsApp status! I drew it originally on a flip chart some years ago when going through a tough time! The figure, being myself, stands firm looking beyond the storm because of whom I'm standing on and choose to trust! The rock is immovable, constant and solid, having been there long before the storm. It is not suprised by the waves, as this 'Jesus Rock' has seen many storms.  It's like St. Peter wrote, "He will restore, support and strengthen you and he will place you on a firm foundation." 

Original for sale: £400

Into the World

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Original for sale: £200

Stream of the Spirit

Walking through the gardens of Stanton House in autumn 2020, I came upon a spring which emerged from the ground by the gate and became a large stream. It passed through the garden boundary, with other gardens and properties on either side of it along its length. Bubbling and rushing through, full of endless life and energy, one is drawn in. Each property with the river at the bottom of their garden brings focus to the stream, so they could spend time in its presence, resting and being revived. Each does so in a different way.

As I looked at this scene, I heard God speaking so much to me, and the depth of what I heard continued to unfold over the next few years. As well as writing it up (link), I finally painted it in 2023!

Heart and Compass

I created this ahead of a retreat for the leaders of the Synergy network of churches. As I prayed for them, I was drawn to Paul's letter to the Ephesians, in which he prayed "that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

I felt this was a timely message for this group of leaders, that they would be led by an experience of God's love. 

Future Focus

This one was a bit different, since it is the expression of a rich vision of the future,  developed by a team of which I am part - and then I was asked to help explain the vision by presenting it visually.