Spiritual Reflection

I’ve been sensing a push to share a bit more about how my work ties into my Christian faith. I find it difficult to be overt about anything religious because of fear for opposing beliefs and judgments. I know that this is a safe space to vulnerably share, so I hope that this doesn’t cause an offensive reaction to anyone.

My relationship with God as Creator is core to who I am and my purpose on earth, and so I am compelled to honour this in my own creations, reflecting the creative nature of the one who created me and sharing about faith itself in tandem with multi-sensory experiences that require interaction in order to receive clarity. I wish to present these spiritual teachings gently and subtly, as an invitation for those who might be curious.

Around the time of Jesus’ ministry, the Bible often talks about the disabled being excluded from entering the temple as they were considered unclean, but Jesus’ miraculous healing brought hope for all, creating a restored version of God’s original plan with the Garden of Eden. I try to apply this concept to the gallery space as it represents this kind of ocularcentric “temple” where, when disrupted, access to artworks and thoughtful curation casts a vision for inclusive and unifying restoration.

I found that reading some books by John Mark Comer, a pastoral figure, has been very helpful to process and find a simple lifestyle in a chaotic world, applying scripture in the times we live in. Here are some books that I would recommend if anyone is curious: Garden City, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, and Practicing the Way.

Inspired by Practicing the Way, I created Daily Rhythms, a series of blind embossed prints (some of which are attached to this post) which tactually and visually represent a spiritual practice that is foundational to my relationship with God. When I first started to think about this series, I was going through a time of absence from God. It was an interesting experience to create patterns as representations of a physical spiritual practice, and the act of touching and reading the work creates this beautiful intimacy that reflects my longing for a physical sign or tangible moment with God.

I’d like to end this post by sharing some Bible verses that I resinate with and often turn to for inspiration, guidance, and seeking God’s presence, some of which are specific to “seeing clearly” and having “restored vision”:

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

“And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight.” Acts 9:18a