~ CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS ~

Margaret Amada 1 2 3 · Sally Brower 1 2 · Alisa Clark 1 2 3 · Kay Vass Darling 1 · Elizabeth de Sherbinin 1 · Tobias Stanislas Haller 1 · Linda Witte Henke 1 · Joy Jennings 1 · Catherine D. Kerr 1 2 3 4 · Karen Loew 1 2 3 4 · Mary Jane Miller 1 2 3 · Jan Ramsey 1 · Zachary Roesemann 1 · Nancy Schofield 1 2 · Claudia Smith 1 2 3 · Kathy Thaden 1 · Jeanne Harris Weaver 1 2 3  


Claudia Smith

Nature's Sculptures

Artist Statement: I have never doubted my call to be an artist. There was no searching involved, no uncertainty. As far back as I can remember, it was as natural as taking my next breath. Holding a pencil or a paintbrush in my hand was simply an extension of myself. The only question was: what do I want to create today? I guess that could be considered "seeking" in the context of this current Call to Artists.

This continued throughout my growing-up years in Michigan; my obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree, and to teaching high school art classes in Maryland. My revelation came several years later upon moving to Arizona. That’s where my enchantment and love affair with rocks began. It’s where I would hold a small, fossilized rock in my hand—a former living creature—and the knowledge of its age and history could bring tears. It’s where glorious canyons and majestic peaks took my breath away. It’s where the breadth of God’s majesty captured my soul.

With this epiphany, I began writing accompanying poetry with my paintings. By acknowledging this additional passion, and freely expressing my soul felt thoughts without fear, I reinforced my call as an artist, and embraced the Oneness of it all.

Reflections of Grace

Etched by water in ancient seas,
Embraced by time through countless suns,
These proud ships of layered rock endure.

Their myriad shapes and layers
Give testimony to the eons and
Wondrous mystery of their endless journey.

They sail with Earth’s heart
Embedded in their hulls and
Her colors flying from their windswept masts.

With towering keels and ribs intact,
they navigate against Earth’s blue domed sky,
Proudly proclaiming God’s eternal Grace,
And Divinely given love.

 

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