Hide Myself

This newly completed work symbolizes the inner experience and personality. Within ourselves is a place we share with no one, hidden behind acceptable masks we show the world. In the deep-seated self, we do not risk exposing our raw vulnerability. We may be filled with past wounds, pain, fear, anger, shame, or failure. While we share the safe part of who we are with others, the secret and visceral level we keep protected. Yet, one of the strongest desires we have is to be fully understood.

As a Christian, it is my belief that God heals our innermost being when we receive His Son. We need not hide our brokenness from Him. Not only does He know us better than we ever will, we can be true and real no matter what our pain or failures are. In intimate redeemed relationship, Christ transforms in the darkest places beyond our reach.

© Jeffrey M Green. "Hide Myself", 16" x 20", colored pencils.

The Wow Factor of Art

Cotopaxi, (1862) Frederic Edwin Church.

When you view an art piece wonderfully full of expressive detail, it takes your breath away, doesn't it? We think, "Wow". Could this experience be an echo, a mirror reflecting something infinitely greater?

When we look at the world around us we see immense detail. Complexity so intricately designed that we observe with a reaction of wonder.

Today we have allowed technology to cloud the appreciation of wonder with a fixation on ourselves and what we presume we can do. The "wow" factor we feel when we view art can call us back to an appreciation of Creation. As we contemplate the God who made this manifold living reality, we are astounded. If we allow ourselves to think further, what an amazing reality it is to be living souls, with purpose and reason for being.

The uplifting appreciation we experience was put in us by God. The beauty around us points to the awesomeness of the Almighty. What is more, the hands we use to create, the mind and emotions to perceive, these too were fashioned by God. What joy that a personal Creator has given such gifts to mankind.

Photo: Cotopaxi (1862) by Frederic Edwin Church (May 4, 1826 – April 7, 1900).

Broken and Shed

This is colored pencil piece symbolizes the Lord's Supper. The realism and painterly style of the medium is typical of most of my work.

The chalice symbolizes the wine Jesus shared with the disciples on the night of the Last Supper, spilled on the cloth to call to mind His shed blood for our sins. The bread is broken, as He did that night, saying His body is broken for us. Reflected in the cup, you see a cross’s shadow. A symbol of what was to come and what we look to now. That evening, the cross was before Jesus. He would suffer on the cross, declare, "It is finished", die, and rise again. In His sacrifice our redemption is sure, grace and mercy purchased in His wonderful love.

Communion was not meant to be an empty ritual to perform in order to "behave religiously". Nor does this work symbolize dry ritual. Communion is a holy occasion for those who have actively put their trust in Jesus Christ. Scripture calls us to examine ourselves before we partake, appreciating this solemn moment of thankfulness for the price paid for us. It is sobering, yet imbued with wonderful hope. In Christ, we are sinners set free, forgiven, assured of eternal life that begins now and comes to wonderful fruition when we see Jesus face to face.

As I partake, I sometimes observe those around me as they walk to the front to receive the wine and bread. There are people of all kinds, each with their own struggles in life, who likewise share faith in our Lord. I reflect that worldwide brothers and sisters are doing the same. As a community of believers, our blessed hope and utmost joy is Jesus Christ. He is our Savior, Brother, Friend, Lord, and Master. Who, on the night He ate the Passover meal with the disciples, said "do this in remembrance of me".

Artwork: © Jeffrey M Green. "Broken and Shed", 16" x 20", colored pencils.

Depression

Second in the portrait Prayer Series, is the new graphite pencil work titled, "Heavy".

The theme is depression. It is not in hopelessness, however. The Psalms, Job, and other Scripture passages, show us that God invites us to pour the depths of our heart out to Him.

When we think of the word hope today, we understand it as self-help or wishful sentiments that can't reach us in our deep brokenness. This is not what God offers us. We seek Jesus Himself, a sure trust in which we can rely. Since Jesus experienced the pain of human experience, we have a Savior who knows our circumstances. In power and mercy, the risen Redeemer is a place of intimate safety. In Him, we have assurance during the darkest times.

God wants the real you, to transform the real you with the hope of His Son. We do not have to hide our pain. That is my hope through each struggle.

Artwork: © Jeffrey M Green. "Heavy", 11" x 14", graphite pencil.