Spong II
by Suzanne Zoole
(Painting, 2005, 16" x 22")
Episcopal Church of the Advent - Spartanburg, NC
soozle@charter.net
 

 
Pictured here is a retreatant's room at Mepkin Abbey where I return to each January for a silent retreat. It is a time of gathering myself up once again and moving my spiritual self in the direction of growth. While painting is my work during the week, selecting books for study from the monastery's well-equipped library is another occupation.
 
While browsing the stacks, I came upon one of Bishop Spong's books. Reading it really disrupted my assumptions and beliefs -- temporarily.
 
The first first painting (entitled "Spong I" and not submitted here) attempts to show my state of agitation. This second painting is intended to show a regaining of equilibrium. (There is a third painting which I hope shows integration.) It is the Spong book which is on the bed; the BCP is on the floor.
 
The real room is of course not so colorful. Taking liberties with color and design provides fun and joy in the process.