ECVA - Claudia Smith - Everywhere I Look

The Way

Photograph

Artist Statement: Although I consider myself an on-hands artist, rather than a photographer, I definitely feel “in tune” with the theme: “Everywhere I look—there God is … ” It resides in my bones, is embedded in my philosophy and reflected in my artwork. In summation, I consider myself a “pathfinder”— someone who is drawn to follow paths and seek ways that lead to the abundance of God’s infinite wonders and gifts. I have expressed this in my accompanying poem:

PATHFINDER

Ahhhh . . .
Resplendent Nature, God’s Creation,
Earth’s Masterpiece, Pathfinder’s Dream.
From simple to complex,
perfect in composition, rhythm and pitch;
Cloaked in mystery, layer upon layer,
beckoning, enticing, miraculously nourishing,
reflecting the Then and Now of rails,
sunlit walkways, nooks and crannies,
beetle lairs and tiny miracles:
Inspiration brushed upon a thirsting soul;
God’s blessings beneath our feet.

In my allotted “moment”
—not even a sliver of time for this place —
I promise to tread lightly,
each step carefully measured.
I treasure and respect this cradle called Home.
See . . .
My hands remain clasped;
only my heart will touch.

Bio: Claudia Smith graduated with a degree in art education. She was a high school art teacher for several years. Eventually, she ventured into the commercial world of interior design and freelance work, but never lost her love for creating fine art. Her oil paintings and mixed-media pieces have been featured in galleries and municipal buildings, and are in many private collections. Her artwork is often accompanied by her poetry. From May through October, she attends St. John's Cathedral in Spokane, Washington. From November through April, she attends St. Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she is a lector and a member of St. Anthony's Arts Council.