When Dreams Die (detail)
The Lenten Service that was focused on the theme of When Dreams Die - The Death of Moses, was centered around a discussion of my painting and the theme. (How's that for a little pressure on performance!) Since these are fairly non-traditional types of services, I thought I'd tell you a bit about it.
We are asked to enter the sanctuary in
silence. Music is playing. The service begins with the congregants
seated on the chancel around my painting (and in the first few pews.) From time to time, someone stands or moves closer to get a look at the
painting. Notice that they are all pretty much focused on the
painting. Since this is the fourth Lenten service centered on a
painting about the theme, Death, the congregation is aware that they will be
asked to discuss what they see in the painting. So they know to get a
good look before we begin.
Everyone had a bulletin for this service
which told the name of the painting, the artist's name, and a few words
from the artist about the theme for the service, When Dreams Die.
Here is what mine said for this service:
"When Dreams Die"
4Then
the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I
have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into
it."
5And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said.
Deuteronomy 34:4-5
As
I see it, God uses the circumstances and decisions of our lives to
change our character and "grow" us to spiritual maturity. The spirit
works to nurture us spiritually and deepen our sense of Christ's
presence with us. In good times or bad, it is our job to remember He is
present in our lives and follow Him.
When our dreams die, God has a different idea!
~ Sally Turlington
The minister, Kyle Dennis, then opens with a prayer and asks that people tell what they see in the painting. No comments from the artist are allowed. Isn't that just the coolest thing? As an artist, I have never before had an occasion to hear the viewers thoughts about a piece of my artwork. I WAS a fly on the wall!
When Dreams Die, 36" X 48" - acrylic and assemblage on canvas
(Click on the image to get a closer look.)
The first few comments were like a laundry list of items depicted in the work:
shattered glass, shards,
a dove, The Holy Spirit,
a woman looking up . . ."
Then minister asked,"Is the woman looking at the dove; is she even aware of the dove? Several said, "No."
Other comments:
- She has a very serious mouth though her eyes seem more innocent, open, peaceful. I think the Holy Spirit has already visited her.
- The right side of her face and the whole right side of her body is dead. (To which the minister responded, "Is DEAD?!" Others chimed in to say it is in shadow, for sure.)
- Tearing or a torn piece on top of the canvas. (another person responding, I see that as a scroll.)
- There is a key hanging, which means to me, she has discovered the secret.
- There is a key and a heart hanging from chains.
- They are separated from her somewhat. I wonder if that is what she lost.
- The key and heart are on her light side.
- I wonder if it is the key to salvation.
- The word on the left is "NO", or is it "ON"? Or both? Depending on where you start.
- What is the writing on the right? (minister answers that it is a fragment of the scripture which is part of the theme for tonight's service.)
- There is light shining on her face and I think that is love.
- The light is coming from above her. There is a shadow on her chin.
- Why do you assume it is a woman. Perhaps it is a man. A young man. Could be either.
- My initial impression was that this is about Moses and the stuff at the bottom represents the Jordan River. And Moses is looking across the river with a whole lot of sadness that he is not going.
- Minister suggested that perhaps this could be even a person looking over his own Jordan River.
- I see the shattered glass at the bottom as shattered dreams. Or unrealized expectations.
- I think it is interesting to look a the artwork in conjunction with the stained glass that is part of the wall behind it where Jesus is praying.
- It's a similar facial expression on both. It's a similar focused . . . sort of a serene, determined look.
- There is disappointment in her eyes as well as hopefulness.
- The expression on her face seems to say things didn't turn out as she expected or planned.
Because this was a great segue into the discussion of the theme for the service, I want to stop here and ask you to respond. Now that you know what my church friends had to say, what about you? What do you see in my painting that strikes you? What might relate to the theme or the scripture? What impressions or reaction do you have?
