Artist Statement: The story of Rachel's marriage to Jacob is related in the book of Genesis. Rachel was much loved by Jacob, but she was childless, and envious of her sister Leah's many children. Lost in her sorrow as she dreams of having her own children, she spins the wool from Jacob's sheep, linking her to her sister Leah.
bio: As long as I can remember, my greatest joy and challenge has been drawing and painting the images around me which capture my imagination. Of all God's wondrous, infinitely varied creations, it is the human form which most fascinates and humbles me.
In my study of classical art, I have turned to the work of master artists for instruction and inspiration. Early artists developed a visual language through their observation of the human figure, exploring the significance of humanity as created by God. As time has passed, these artists have shaped our concepts of scriptural stories; through our own humanity we are drawn into this conversation with the artist.
My curiosity about the women who reside in the pages of scripture became a theme for a series of paintings. These women awakened each morning and lived their ordinary lives with little expected or offered to them in their culture. At some significant point in time, God touched their lives in a personal way. How did these moments of grace affect them emotionally and spiritually? How can I, in today's world, identify with their humanity?
In exploring these themes, I have attempted to echo the traditions of narrative, design, and symbolism woven into art through the centuries, and present them within today’s context.
It is my hope that this work will engage your imagination about what it means to be human in the world which God has created.
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