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Claudia Smith

Legacy

Oil

Artist Statement: Within the two sacraments of the Gospel—instituted and ordained by Christ: Baptism and Holy Eucharist—water plays an essential role. In Holy Baptism, water symbolizes purification or regeneration with the Holy Spirit, and a welcoming admission into Christ’s Church. In Holy Eucharist, through the mixing of water (the people) with wine (the blood of Christ) we become united—one with Christ, the Divine.

In my oil painting Legacy and its accompanying poem, we are reminded that we are caretakers of all of God’s precious gifts, with water being the focal point. My painting and its poem reflect the awe and reverence that I feel toward this wondrous gift which symbolizes God’s covenant with all living things. As an indispensable blessing from God, this gift is to be celebrated, cherished and conserved. Without water, there is no life.

"What remains, reveals the heart of the taker:
The mountains that were trod, but not desecrated,
The forest that gave shelter, without depletion,
The air that was breathed, but not corrupted,
The stream that was used, but not violated,
Like pearls on a chain, each link is a legacy,
Bequeathed in celebration of the soul."

Bio: Claudia is a multi-media artist. After graduating from Michigan State University, she was a high school art teacher for several years. Upon moving to Arizona, she worked in interior design, and in the newspaper industry as a writer, cartoonist and illustrator. Eventually, she began showing her fine art paintings and accompanying poems in various venues. She has won numerous awards in juried shows, and her work is owned by individuals across the country. In Arizona, where she spends six months of the year, she is chairperson for St. Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church Arts Council. Guest artists are invited to exhibit in the parish hall, and she writes articles about them for the local newspaper. As a six-month resident of Spokane, Washington, she remains active in producing art. Upon returning there in May, she has two scheduled exhibitions.