Journal Your Christmas 2017

9th December 2017

I didn't have much to say about foody indulgences as there's nothing in particular that we obsess about once December arrives! So I went with what's new this year and my hopes for the future.
TFL!
Bernie x

Journal Your Christmas 2017

2nd December 2017

Christmas preparation.

It sometimes seems that anybody mentioning Christmas preparation before December 24th is frowned upon and judged, especially by the more religious types!

Personally, I think, living in the real world, that Christmas is going to be a time of greater expenditure, no matter how minimal that side of things is kept, and certain items appearing in the shops before December 1st is a good thing, especially for those amongst us with less resources. Rather than adding pressure to buy more, it seems to ease the pressure.

Anyway, we have decided that those people needn't affect our enjoyment and preparation for a time that is to be all about loving others and caring, in line with our faith! The more that 'spirit of Christmas' - which includes people thinking more about how they live their faith lives - that abounds all year round, the better in our view!
TFL!
Bernie x

Advent 2017

I wanted to at least attempt to keep up with creating a piece of art for each day of Advent this year! I also want to take part again this year in Journal Your Christmas. I joined the group of people taking this class project many years ago when I was a paper scrapbooker and have tried with varying degrees of success to keep up with the project over the years since! The class is not faith-based but everybody can make it exactly what they want it to be, so that's not an issue.

Anyway, back to Advent! Having looked at several Devotional projects, I decided to just start on 1st December and run my faith project alongside Journal Your Christmas, which also starts on 1st December.

So, here is what I read, considered and was inspired by for December 1st 2017, and my artwork resulting. I wish everybody a blessed and hope-filled Advent that will lead us to a Christmas full of truth.

Bernie x


Mark 13:32-37
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: he leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

‘Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the cock crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

What I say to you, I say to everyone: “Watch!”’

Sapphira

Sapphira
This piece is based on a 'story' from Acts about Ananias and his wife, Sapphira.

Ananias and Sapphira sold their property in order to contribute to the Apostles' fund for the poor. But rather than hand over every penny, they kept some back for themselves, saying though, that they were giving all the proceeds. Peter is aware of what they have done, exposes them, and both are struck down, dead.

At first, the initial reaction might be 'how could you?' and 'why?' Then I read a commentary about this that softened the initial perception of their actions. They so much wanted to be part of that early group of faithful, but they just couldn't bring themselves to give up every last penny of the proceeds from the property sale. They wanted a safety net for themselves.

I think many of us could sympathise with this kind of outlook!

So, my piece is of Sapphira. She holds a bottle of perfume, to represent that which she could not give up. She is in darkness, as she knows in her heart that what she and her husband are doing is wrong. She perhaps looks confident at first glance - nobody will know, all will be well. Yet looking closely at her face, she betrays just a shadow of that doubt within.
TFL!
Bernie x

A New Beginning...?

With this piece came the firm conviction of my Faith Art path moving forwards. It will mean revamping my Artboja site and stepping up and showing my light well and truly to the world! I'm ready!

Title: No Longer Loved?

This was inspired somewhat subconsciously by readings I am ploughing through at present! One is by Jane Williams, Approaching Easter, the other, by Brother Ramon and Simon Barrington-Ward, Praying the Jesus Prayer Together. I hadn't even realised when I read the individual chapters in each stage of each book, but they were actually saying the same things!

Often, our view of love is all about feelings and sentiment, and when we feel we are no longer loved, we look for things to make us feel that emotional need. We want that feeling of excitement.

But the love God has for us is more than that. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."

God's love for us is this wish to see us completely fulfilled, walking with him and with others, and so drawing in others to this family of believers. A family of people who know they are so special to God.

When we feel so loved, we can help others realise they too are so loved. As we come to know that love, we long to become what we truly are and to take that into the world, to others. Taking God's light into the darkness.

In my piece, the woman feels she is no longer loved. Reminiscent of Jesus and his crown of thorns, placed upon him by others, she wears a 'veil' of hard, scratchy twigs and leaves that seem to signify her unworthiness, as placed upon her by others and felt deeply.

Yet dotted within those twigs are little white flowers - little beacons of light. Perhaps all is not lost after all?

Although there seems so much darkness around her, a darkness that contains hard, painful thoughts, feelings and emotions, a darkness that surrounds and envelops her, touching her very body, there is also light. That light also touches her, heals, and gives hope for the future. She realises that although she may suffer now, this will pass and she will be made whole again by His love.
TFL!
Bernie x

Lent 2017 - Day 37

6th April 2017

Forgot to upload this one on the day! Based on that day's reading: Psalm 121, it's called Look to the Mountains.

I didn't have a particular end image in mind when I created this. There are 6 photos involved in making up this piece, as well as lots of brushwork and textures! I really enjoyed myself working on this!
TFL!
Bernie x

Lent 2017 - Day 1 - 1st March

Ash Wednesday, Lent Day 1 - 1st March

I decided this year not to attempt to create a piece of art every day of Lent, but to just create as and when.

I woke up this morning with this image so clear in my mind! Then I got up and started my Lenten readings which was about almsgiving, prayer and fasting being done in secret, as Our Father, who is in secret, who sees in secret, will reward us. One of the questions for consideration was 'am I happy to have God see all that I do?'

I started wondering about the image I'd had in my head first thing and if it could relate to the readings for the day. I saw a huge elephant, towering over a little man. At first, I was thinking small :) about the 'elephant in the room' - how everyone sees and knows what is going on in our parish and the destruction being caused yet nobody is willing to talk about it.

Then I decided the difference in sizes must be more relevant. Could it represent the enormity of God in comparison to man? I read again the first writing in one of my Lenten books. it says: "I maintain that God - out of the abundance of divine relational life, not any need for us - desires humans into existence for the sake of friendship. This thesis may sound strange because it runs counter to much teaching about God. To be honest, I questioned it myself when I first began to think it through. But over the years, as my own relationship with God has deepened and I have listened to people talk about how God relates to them, I have become convinced that the best analogy for the relationship God wants with us is friendship." (William A Barry, SJ)

This made more sense! Mankind thinks himself all-powerful, in control, so often, even in little things, but there is always the One, more powerful, who does not trample us down, but who watches over us, abides with us.

So I tried to portray the image I'd had and give a feeling that the elephant has the might and the power within this situation and yet stands peacefully watching over the man. Gentle love, yet strong.
The man bows his head, recognising the differences, the power and accepting the light that the elephant brings towards him in his darkness.

As to why an elephant, I've no idea lol! Perhaps just for the representation of the differences in control and power and to illustrate the unexpected peace and love being brought to the situation, when the exact opposite would be expected? Who knows, lol, but I wanted to make this piece as close to what I had in my mind when I awoke.

(This piece is composed of at least 7 photos, with numerous textures applied, some brushwork, filters, and creative lighting!)
TFL!
Bernie x

Nevertheless She Persisted: Silenced

I’m continuing with my series of pieces stemming from emotions felt whilst reading this article http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=31899 and also considering the events in my parish over the past 16 years.

I've called this piece Nevertheless She Persisted: Silenced

It seems to me that within the RCC women can be used to do so much of the work in the Church, without which parishes all over the world would fold, and so many people’s lives would be the poorer. Yet when they voice concerns or needs, those same women are so easily overlooked.
In my Diocese, multiple women's writings and opinions can be ignored, but one man's letter of concern brings about some small action from the Archbishop (passing on a letter) and a personal 'phone call from the Bishop to that man! Still nothing is done about our situation – naturally - but he is listened to and spoken to, unlike we women.

Anyway! This is what came from all that emotion! As long as our bodies keep on doing what is necessary for the RCC to survive, the voice can be ignored.
So many male clergy in this Diocese, to varying degrees and in various ways, seem to think nothing of acting to silence women. Whether it be refusing to discuss, even confidentially, a priest who has caused so much destruction because ‘I was at Seminary with him,’ or gently changing the subject and shutting down conversation with ‘oh well, he was like that in Seminary,’ through to hierarchy not only refusing to acknowledge the very existence of some women, but ordering those under their command to act in the same way. Of course, nobody dares dissent from such a powerful man lol! Faith and morals don't come into it - all must obey the command of the Archbishop, unquestioningly! Subtle, or not so subtle ways of achieving the same end – the silencing of women.

What is also truly amazing and perhaps even galling and distressing, is how many women simply accept the treatment meted out to them by such clergy – and in society generally. So many just give up, resign themselves to remaining unheard or unacknowledged. Either walk away to somewhere they hope the grass will be greener (false hope oftentimes it turns out) or remain and absorb the slight, take upon themselves the sadness and merely hope - silently - for better times (which may or may not come, of course).

So, to the lady indicating that she, but also we other, women must remain silent, I added flowers to represent the beauty and ‘harmony’ of women - as described in the article. Then I added a representation of the crown of thorns - for the sacrifices women worldwide make both in what they do and in what they are not permitted to do – including, of course, use their voice. There are scratches and drips of blood from the thorns - scars that may never fade.
The background is rather chaotic, as society, both within the RCC and without, fight for this cause or that, trying to make the world a better place - and yet it doesn't happen fast enough if at all. I kept the colours muted and the piece overall quite dark, to represent the shadows that women must, in such circumstances as described, live within. When anybody is shut down by others, cast aside, and their voice not even heard let alone valued, they are prevented from living a full – and colourful! – life. More abuse.

There is a more prominent ‘ONE WAY’ sign close to her – when these men shut down women, refuse to communicate, refuse to prevent abuse, and instruct others to do so also, there can be only one way – their way.

A few straight lines suggest the box that women are restrained within when their voice is not considered and not heard.

Perhaps a dark piece, or perhaps a positive piece – the woman looks strong to me and doesn’t appear as if she is going to give up! She almost mocks those who think they can shut her up! She's not silenced - yet!
TFL!
Bernie x

Daily Scripture Writing - Day 2

2nd February 2017

Luke 1:76-79 - “You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace.”
TFL!
Bernie x

Photo Artistry Course Inspiration

Inspired by Session 14 of my PhotoArtistry Course, I created this out of a need for some light and brightness, some colour, in the world at present.

I saw some art online that inspired me and so created this! Titled 'Called Out of Darkness', there are a lot of emotions tied up in this piece!

Social media has exploded with reaction to President Trump's words and actions and so much of that is pretty hard going. There seems to be so much darkness within that atmosphere, but also so much darkness still to come. Like clinging tendrils, the darkness pulls us in, and it would be so easy to be swallowed up by it. Thankfully there is light! The light of Faith! The gentle cords of light prevent the darkness taking hold and gradually bring the lady more and more fully into the light. Feeling free, she dances and overcomes!
TFL!
Bernie x

Advent 2016 - Day 28, 24th December

Advent Day 28

Words are taken from the Advent hymn When The Angel Came To Mary
TFL!
Bernie x

Advent 2016 - 10th December, Day 14

Advent 2016, Day 14 - 10th December

I'm really loving the peace and solitude of getting up at 4.30am every day to create these Advent pieces! This one is based on Creator of The Stars of Night.
TFL!
Bernie x

Advent 2016 - 8th December, Day 12

Advent Day 12

These words seemed to tie in nicely with my readings for today - amongst others, Isaiah 41:13-20. They're taken from the Advent hymn My Soul in Stillness Waits.
TFL!
Bernie x

Advent 2016, 6th December, Day 10

Advent Day 10 

This piece was based on words from the Advent hymn O Comfort My People, which fitted in nicely with the readings for today. I did take a little artistic license with the order of the words to get the feel and message I wanted in the space available!
TFL!
Bernie x

Advent 2016, 5th December, Day 9

Advent Day 9

Based on the Advent hymn O Come, Divine Messiah. There were so many beautiful words in this hymn but I narrowed it down to these! After celebrating my eldest daughter's 20th Birthday yesterday, thoughts are definitely back fully on the coming days. Remembering  my 56-hour labour yesterday definitely made me grateful for the place and time in which I live. I'm sure, in days gone by, my daughter may well not have lived.
TFL!
Bernie x

Advent 2016 - 1st December, Day 5

Advent Day 5 

This is the refrain from the Advent hymn Lord Emmanuel, Come that I mentioned previously...here's the link again in case you don't know it (you need to turn the volume up LOUD!!).... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYmcQHjpgvg
TFL!
Bernie x

Lent 2016 - Day 19 - 28th February

Lent 2016 - Day 19 - 28th February

Today's piece is based on Luke 13:6-9:

Then Jesus told a story. “A man had a fig tree,” he said. “It was growing in his vineyard. When he went to look for fruit on it, he didn’t find any. So he went to the man who took care of the vineyard. He said, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree. But I haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year. I’ll dig around it and feed it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

This piece came out nothing at all like I had anticipated, with the bold strokes and tones! The light is overcoming the darkness; the people will bear fruit and God loves us enough to wait until we achieve our potential in Him.
TFL!
Bernie x

Lent 2016 - Day 7

Well, this one was a bit of a struggle, but we got there eventually - still keeping it simple so I can stay on track!
TFL!
Bernie x

Take Me Deeper - Advent Day 25 - 23rd December 2015

Advent day 25 - 23rd December 2015 - See The Star

I loved these words from Luke so went about trying to illustrate them!
Dawning Light, a pathway leading to a person sitting in darkness.
TFL!
Bernie x

Take me Deeper - Advent day 4 - 2nd December 2015

Advent Day 4 - 2nd December - Actively Waiting

This was actually a photo of mine taken through my daughter's microscope, of grape skin! I added the figure and digitally painted, then added the star and words.
TFL!

Bernie x