Perfectly Loved, 2023
Mixed Media Painting on Wood Panel, 4’ x 3’
💙 I thought this piece would be fluid, abstract, and whimsical. Rhythmic circles played in my mind, yet quickly a strong grid was added. A fundamental foundation pushed through at the onset. The cross stretched out across the board in black and white. Terrestrial colors went down; the blue and green palette made me think of the earth/a globe. That, coupled with the cross, got me thinking about how Christ came down to earth and dwelt among us. He gave up His celestial home to abide in our broken world. He became human, yet still fully God.
💚 The longer I live, the more life reveals that the human existence is hard! And yet, God left heaven to come live this arduous existence and to sacrifice His perfection for the flawed creatures that we all are. Because we could never be enough on our own, He bridged the gap. I have profound gratitude for Christ becoming man- His incomprehensible sacrifice - enduring worldly sorrows & giving up His heavenly home for our fallen world. Immanuel- God with us. What Great LOVE! Hearts then filled the "globe"/center circle.
💜 Throughout the process, I was (and am) contemplating my own identity. Who am I? What is my value? What is my purpose? I have long endured so many feelings of inadequacy, of shortcomings, fearing that I just wasn't enough. I wasn’t smart enough. I wasn't pretty enough. I wasn't talented enough. I wasn't brave enough. I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't exciting enough. I wasn't thoughtful enough. I wasn't kind enough. I didn't quite measure up to what I thought I should be.
❤️ The studio sessions are always exercises in listening and leaning into what my spirit senses. Black and white (truth) against the various colors (contemplations/questions/confusion). Layer upon layer, I painted, sanded, rinsed, and repeated. All the while, I was reading/praying/reflecting/pondering. As I mentioned, I started the piece wanting to do something different, something loose, something easy, something playful. And while there are circles, even they became part of my familiar mapped out grid. Which leads me to this question... Do we ever truly change, or do we simply develop and enhance who we are? I’m not sure. But this I know; because of who God is, I can rest and rejoice within the safety of His sovereignty. There aren't words to adequately explain the depth of what God is still showing me through this piece.
🎨 In both art and in life, I generally want to be pleasing. I want to present something that will be well received. Truthfully, that can be stifling sometimes, as I can only be- I can only produce- I can only offer who I am. And I'm still discovering who I am at 51 years old! What I thought would be playful, swirly, abstract, and fun became the recurring, comforting, foundational, grid of lines and angles locked into place forming the cross. The cross spans the composition and echoes outward from a central heart. The love of God remains my ever-present focal point. Because God is Love, I am loved. Perfectly Loved.
🎶 Songs that filled the studio, my car, my social media, my waking thoughts, and my dreams at night include the following. They are the soundtrack of this painting. Perhaps they will express the message better than I can. Take a listen.
🎵Circle of Life by Elton John
🎵Miracle Power by We the Kingdom
🎵Color my World by Chicago
🎵For God is with Us by for KING & COUNTRY
🎵Jesus is Love by The Commodores
🎵Legacy by Nicole Nordeman
🎵Who I Am by Ben Fuller
🎵Love Me Like I Am by for KING & COUNTRY
🎵Perfectly Loved by Rachael Lampa
