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| Original Mixed Media Mini Art Quilt (4x4) "WATER OF LIFE" - SOLD! ONLINE SHOP |
You would have asked him and he would have given you living water. (John 4:10)
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ART MEMORIES - STORYTELLING
.jpeg) BEFORE PHOTO _________________________________EXPLORING (process of becoming): I started with a vintage library index card (that was trimmed to a size 4x4 square) as my substrate. I machine-sewed an ALCHEMY upholstery remnant, similar to the one from Day 1 as a wholecloth quilt style of layering elements. I then added a vintage lace fabric that was fraying from the edges. I loved how the bottom loose threads reminded me of wandering, meandering roots growing from the "seed". The next layer was made up of again ALCHEMY upholstery remnant (emerald green with gold flakes) and then a snippet from my original fabric-painted monoprint (done on the Gelli plate with acrylic shimmering paints from Arteza). Then a simple ivory cloth (cotton twill) topped with a velvet upholstery fabric square that I drew an illustration of a "seed" using a white acrylic paint marker. For embellishments, I added some found seed beads that were taken off an old project that Gae had gifted me during our 2022 swap. I just did simple straight stitches using DMC black threads. Making sure I sewed through several of the seed beads just in case if one thread would become loose the whole strand would not come apart. I finished with hand straight stitches, to recreate the patterns I found on the package box that came when I ordered some watercolor brushes (see the black "v" stitches) that I associated with drops of rainwater falling down to water the seed. I also introduced some French Knots to represent some tiny seeds that were nested below the main "big seed with gems". Did some machine sewing using white thread for movement of vertical growth and completed it by using quilt fabric for my binding. I love the purple tones alongside the key lime green.  |
What is French Knot - embroidery?
The French knot is one of several knotted stitches used in surface embroidery and produces a knot similar to a colonial knot. This stitch has a reputation for being difficult, but persist in your efforts. Once it clicks, you'll be sprinkling French knots all over. I sprinkled a couple towards the bottom of my mixed media mini Art Quilt. ENJOYING (spiritual wellness): What I've learned through today's creative exploration, mark making, inspired by the Word (John 4:10) is that my spiritual care and creative growth require the emptying out of any thoughts, ideas, and misconceptions that "I" am the one who is in control of making beautiful things that bring joy (smiles) to others. Instead, I am learning to become aware that I must pray for the Holy Spirit guidance, to use me, to bring forth the objects of delight that please God thus, produce things that are good to share with others. What is the motivation for creating artwork? In the scripture today we see the Samaritan woman thirsty at the well. She does her normal routine of seeking water to quench her flesh of thirst. She meets Jesus and he approaches her with words that I hear as "kindness, compassion, and love" towards the Samaritan woman. A woman who views herself as a social outcast because she has had many men and none were her husband. She comes during the hottest time of the day to fetch water (a time when she expects to see no one). Thus, no one for her to hide from and no one to ignore her as well. I don't know what's worst - when you feel lonely because you're physically by yourself or when you feel the same way while in a crowded room because you sense no one "sees you" - understands you, values you. That's the case when we set out to create our artwork as well. Will anyone understand my mark-making, my painting, my art? You think, is my artwork disposable and if it reflects who I am, does that mean I am disposable? Jesus sees her (he sees us) and he asks "Will you give me a drink?" (v.7). WOW! that word "give" is such a powerful word. I imagine her being shocked, surprised to say the least. That a man (a Jewish man - for Jews were not allowed to associate with Samaritans) would value anything she had to offer. And instead of taking from her Jesus provides an opportunity for her to be empowered by her own voice and actions. For her to choose good things of value. Jesus is asking her (and us) for her to give of herself willingly to him. That is the beauty of salvation. God does not force it upon us. Jesus gave his life so we may have eternal life (John 3:16) because Father God has agape love for his creation. A love that comes through sacrifice. What are you willing to sacrifice to improve your personal wellness. The woman at the well, eventually begins to understand that the water Jesus speaks of is spiritual water and receives it in full measure. "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again but whoever drinks of the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (v.v. 13, 14) Have you tasted the goodness of God's living waters? I have tasted the water of life and I do not want to turn back. My mind, body, soul, and spirit are blessed every day by the overflow that comes from within me which is the Holy Spirit of God. It is guided by that Spirit that I choose to create. That is my motivation for making art to share - the Joy of Creation with others so you too may have eternal life. PRAYER: Father God, You welcome all who are thirsty to come to the waters and drink. Satisfy my thirst through Your living water. Amen ~ Blessings, Sandra ______________(CHANGEMAKERS)______________ |
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