Jennie Lyons
Artist Statement:
When I was a kid, I loved going to my grandparents house because they had all these big beautiful paintings in gold frames, delicate glass figurines, and sparkly crystal lamps. All the things that children aren’t allowed to touch. I was told I could look, not touch, but just look. It is quite similar to us and God, we can see and experience His presence, but never physically touch Him. My goal is to replicate that feeling of looking, admiring, and experiencing the presence of God. Therefore, my work is displayed in gold frames, which consists of delicate sculptural work, and several pieces are displayed on top of mirrors, so the viewer may further imagine themselves in His Presence.
This body of work portrays biblical imagery following seven symbols used throughout the Bible; these symbols come together, connecting themes of God’s presence, protection, guidance, and connection with the Holy Spirit. These pieces reflect my visual interpretation of the written word and the scripture that supports each symbol. Although each piece covers a different symbol mentioned in the Bible, I use color, style, and the elements of nature to present this body of work in a cohesive and united way.
An example of this would be how clouds are represented in the Bible; in Exodus God comes down to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of a cloud. In the New Testament, God speaks to the disciples in the form of a cloud. Jesus ascended into Heaven on a cloud. In Revelation, Jesus is said to return on the clouds. Therefore, clouds throughout the Bible beautifully portrays God’s presence with His people, and this theme is played out in all of my pieces through the Biblical symbols I chose to use.
This work reflects the presence of God in the sense that the viewer can visualize the safety and comfort of being in God’s presence. The work was created for the purpose of showing the glory and magnificence of the original Creator. I wish to reveal a glimpse of what God’s presence looks and feels like, and these images are a reflection of my own experience with the presence of God.
“Show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
