Thoughts

I have created this drawing in the process of making some big adjustments to my life. It reflects on the process of thinking, mulling over and ‘feeling’ into the different options that presented themselves. I find for myself that this process of decision-making involves more than just my thinking facilities. It rather involves my whole being. As I have to come to a place of consent with myself I realize that all of my needs have to be at a place of rest and peace with each other in the one choice that is right for such a time as this.

I marvel at this process of change, it’s so much deeper than just ‘thinking it through’. And once I have been willing to truly engage in it, the process itself turns out to be a blessing and an experience of personal growth.

“How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!”

Psalm 139: 17-18 TLB

Beauty for Ashes

Since it is close to my heart I would like to say a little more about this digital image. It is based on a flame fractal that struck me to have the shape of a phoenix. I enhanced it further to bring out the specific meaning that it has for me. This meaning is really best said in the words of Isaiah :

To bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor. 

Isaiah 61:3 NIV

the restorative work of Jesus in the life of those who know Him described in the beautiful poetic language of the  Old Testament Bible.

Breakthrough

This picture captivates a big change in life, a breakthrough, a new beginning - a new thing happening right now. The past, that which lies behind can no longer be touched or changed, the waves of change cover it. Today is a new day! Crisp, beautiful and fresh!
A new sound is ringing and singing through the air - a song of hope and love. A hymn to the Great Life Giver and praise to the beauty, depth and incredible variety of the world He made.

Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert.

Isa 43:19 HCSB

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!

Lamentations 3:22, 23 Message

The Door is Open

This picture is a reflection on the longing for safety, a shelter from the raging storms and for a place of belonging. It responds in a positive way to this longing - trusting in a way ahead and that it will let itself be found.The simple shelter offers a welcoming place for those who will come, the door is open and light shines from within as an invitation and a sign of hope.

See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.

Revelation 3:8 HCSB 

For over all, his glory will be shelter and protection:

    shade from the parching heat of day,

 refuge and cover from storm and rain. 

Isaiah 4:6 NARBE

You are my hiding place;

You protect me from trouble.

You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance.

Psalm 32:7 HCSB

Change

After a number of years I have come back to a lake in the woodlands that inspired my original Soft Pastel drawing Water Lily.
My visit to this beautiful place has prompted me to re-visit this inspiration.
Even though some of the beautiful water lilies are still in blossom the surrounding forest is very clearly reflecting the change of season and I have tried to captivate this change in structure and the more gentle colour spectrum of autumn.

Autumn Lily

Since my childhood I have been fascinated by ponds or small rivers in the forest. I guess the Grimm's brother are at least partially responsible for this fascination. In their lore ponds are portals to the 'other world' were the stork picks up babies for delivery and gates through which heroines pass on their glorious quests. My imagination ran wild ...
Even today, whenever I encounter a body of water in the woodlands on one of my walks I sense something mystical - a place were the veil is thin in the structure of time and space. This memory of my childhood has never quite left me. And the quest that belongs with it, to find the place were my soul sings, remembering its true source and wellspring.

Water Lily Pond

Jesus says: "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures."

Gospel of John, chapter 10 verse 9 NLT

Wings

Long have I had in mind to create a drawing trying to catch some of my manifold associations surrounding the  imagery of wings.

Wings can belong to messengers from a different world. They bring along a breath of this other, a glimpse of what may be, bring a sense of curiosity and childlike wonder. 

Again the feather represents the aspect of time. Caught in the moment as well as showing the slow but unstoppable movement from heaven to earth.

On a more personal note I wanted to let you know that I am currently re-locating. I will try to keep theblog and website up to date, however there may be some hiccups and delays for which I wanted toapologize in advance.

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:

"Holy, holy, holy 

is the Lord God Almighty

who was and is and is to come!"

Book of Revelation 4:8 NKJV

Tree of Life

This digital picture was created based on my soft pastel drawing from 2012.
The original was inspired by Teresa of Avila's saying that our soul is like a beautiful tree planted in living water. In this new version I have tried to express how we relate and connect to each other using the same symbol and how this connectedness is nourished and enabled by the light that shines in us. The light that lets us live and laugh, have compassion with each other, cry with each other and share who we truly are in so many ways. I guess I am seeking for a creative expression of what defines us in our humanity - and I believe a lot of it is just that - that we can resonate with each other spark each other and in doing so be more abundantly alive.








Please also have a look at my new website. It is till in the making as you will see, however the image gallery is much better than the one I had on this blog, please have a look at it! There is also a permanent link to the website in the sidebar for you to use.