Monday 30 January 2012

Ideas Relay (21)

“The vision statement by Whojeong Lee was a wonderful gift to me, talking as it did about exploring the nature of the Holy Spirit through colour and texture. The picture takes three elements: fire, air and water to show different aspects of the Holy Spirit. He is the fire of Pentecost, the breath of life in Genesis and the Living Waters. As I thought about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, I realised that we "run" most successfully when the Holy Spirit can be seen through us. The less that people's attention is drawn to us (our faults and failings) the more they see God working through us.”

Sue Newham

Ideas Relay (20)

“I'd like to explore different nature and characteristics of the Holy Spirit and express what I find using various textures and colors. I will initiate this process by reading the Bible and meditation and prayers and ultimately interact with Him to understand what He wants to tell to the viewers and audiences through my art works. I know that each artist's works should convey his/her encounter with Him and finally celebrate the fact that He came to us and teaches and commands us and intercedes for us in prayer.”

Whojeong Lee

Ideas Relay (19)

“In this work I have tried to create an atmosphere which hopefully reflects my African roots.   In Africa family as well as tribal life have always and still take place around open fires. It is here that meals are prepared and eaten, stories are told and discussions take place. Settlers from Europe have adopted this tradition and so community life often takes place in a boma around an open fire or barbeque, called a braai in South Africa. In my work the open fires are also burning bushes that “do not burn up” (Ex 3:2). This holy fire is kindled in the hearts of believers and is then carried from community to community thus spreading the message of salvation through the blood of Jesus. South Africa has a rich heritage of ancient, even prehistoric, rock art. This has been a valuable source for my images in this work.”

Titia Ballot

Ideas Relay (18)

“As a result of reading Miriam Cabello’s writings, I was moved to co-create with Miriam a vision that could be common to all men, and which would hearken back to our origin as a species. I wished the paint to look as though it had been applied ‘naturally’, without artifice or academic perfection. The title is ‘Torches at Urulu’ - this painting was scripturally inspired by Psalm 18:28 (the numbers of which are also lettered above my signature in the original): ‘For Thou dost light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness.’ In this painting my concept is a primordial vision of our ancestors, of men that who have gone before under the light of stars and have been guided by the Lord on their way. Petroglyphs on the walls of the rock of Urulu signify the shapes of stars and planets, which themselves look like petroglyphs (the earthly kingdom, in some ways, is a reflection of the heavenly one). Water remains at the base of the rock from a recent rain, during which liquid runoff was deposited beneath, reflecting the light of men. There are three men, reflecting the three elements of the Olympic motto, ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius.’ The theme, ‘Running with Fire’, applies here to the bearing of the torch of faith from one generation to the next ,as much as it reflects the Olympic theme of competing and allying with fellow men in these Games which begin and end with the bearing of a physical torch. The figures are warriors, strong and fit--one carries a spear, just as the believer carries with him the sword of truth. The path to victory through life, and sport, is narrow but achievable, if one is borne up and led by the light of the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit, in the power of the One with whom all things are possible.”

Rick Delanty

Ideas Relay (17)

“I was overwhelmed by a trip to Uluru with my mother last year, also known as Ayers Rock in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It is the spiritual land of Australia’s Indigenous people. We absorbed with all our senses the rich red ochre of the soil, sand and rocks. My mother and I ran our hands across the magnificent large sandstone rock formation called Uluru as we bravely walked the complete circumference on an extremely hot day (the 10km walk took just over 4 hours), we respected the wishes of the Aboriginal people and chose not to climb the rock. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, the Aboriginal people of the area. The many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings we viewed gave us tranquilly and peace that lead to moments of solemness and prayer. The painted dark figures on the red rock face of Uluru reminded me of ancient Greek vases (Athenian black-figure painting).  These images further enhanced the connection of the fire of the Olympic spirit with the red centre of Australia and Pentecost. The stars at night seemed almost reachable as they kissed the horizon, never have I seen the earth’s complete 360 degrees circumference. Uluru is notable for appearing to change colour as the different light strikes it at different times of the day and year, with sunset a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows red. Although rainfall is uncommon in this semiarid area, during wet periods the rock acquires a silvery-grey colour, with streaks of black algae forming on the areas that serve as channels for water flow. The glowing red of Uluru is my messenger of my country and all it symbolizes. The red glow of the burning torch that so many people carry with them as they walk around the rock, from every part of the world they witness the red glow and walk speaking different tongues as the wind howls through the rocks crevices and the ancestors respond and speak to us. We witnessed the spiritual gift the land gives to all, that listen to “its dreams of cross cultural harmony”. In keeping with the passing of the flame, the fire of Uluru reflects the spiritual journey of Pentecost and of the running messenger.”

Miriam Cabello

Ideas Relay (16)

“Explore true joy and enthusiasm at breakneck speed. Incorporate a spirit of freedom and confidence, bold convincing conviction, yet with a reference to intimacy."

Diane Fairfield

Thursday 19 January 2012

Ideas Relay (15)

“My vision for Run With the Fire comes from the passage in John 14:12-27 where Jesus literally passes the torch to us.  He promises that whoever believes in him will take up his baton and do even greater works than him--than Jesus himself!  What an inspiring declaration--he literally speaks life over us and calls us out of ourselves and into greatness by speaking our destiny as people who are called to follow and obey him at all costs.  Immediately after Jesus promises that we will have all authority to do great things, he promises that the Holy Spirit will come and be with us forever.  We can not step into our Kingdom destiny--doing these even greater things--unless the Spirit of Truth fills us and lives in us.”

Kim Daus Edwards

Ideas Relay (14)

“When I read the idea written by Karen Burnett (from Isaiah 43:1-3) it reminded me of the story from Genesis 32:22-32, where Jacob is fighting with God in order to be blessed, during a very difficult time in his life that he was going through. This is a drawing of my composition, which is a project for a sculpture.”

Nickolay Steffanov

Ideas Relay (13)

“But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.” Whatever life throws at us....God is with us, we are not to fear!”

Karen Burnett

Ideas Relay (12)

“Upon reading the vision statement by Jenny Hawke, I was immediately reminded of some of the great leaders in Christian History. "The tread of many feet" to me meant the paths of courage shown and victories won by those who went before us. I represented that aspect of my interpretation with the statues of some great American and Christian leaders - The Apostle Paul, Martin Luther King Jr, George Washington. The second part of the vision statement, 'I see a crowd and hear a distant cheer" to me represented the hope of the future for both adults and children who are following Christ today while also running the race God has called them to. I thought the words from the Bible in Hebrews 12:1 really bought home the message of this project, my artwork, and the vision statement.”

Heather Distant Taiwo

Ideas Relay (11)

“I see the tread of many feet, clouds of dust behind, and the long path that winds ahead. I feel many hearts beating with one desire, to finish the race, each one unique, each one of great price. I see a crowd and hear a distant cheer as the shout goes up, ‘they're coming. they're coming!’ and sense the joy at the sight of the crown.”

Jenny Hawke

Ideas Relay (10)

“The artist's statement I received was rest without want: recovery. Jesus recovers the hopeless, the sick, and those with hurts of mind. The Holy Spirit brings hope, health and peace of mind. What is it like to go through this transformation? When our chains fall away, we are released. We are free to be filled with His building energy: soaring on eagle's wings, running without weariness. We vibrate with His light, a supernatural force that cannot be held back. Bright means sunny, radiant, illustrious, beautiful, lively, jovial, clever, and promising. Who wants to say no to this good news.”

Kirsten Borror

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Run With The Fire UCB Radio interview

Sue Newham of Veritasse could be heard speaking about the Run With The Fire project this morning on UCB - click here for the UCB website. To see the online debate generated today by Sue's interview, click here.

Paul Hammond asked questions about Sue’s own art before finding out more about the Run with the Fire project. He then went on to explore what makes good art. The interview followed on from the unveiling of the installation artwork RUN by Monica Bonvicini in the London Olympic village.

Tuesday 10 January 2012

'Run with the Fire' on youtube



A promotional presentation for 'Run with the Fire' is now available to be viewed on YouTube. The presentation outlines the project, shows examples of work included and gives information for ordering copies of the 'Run with the Fire' pack.
  
Every 'Run with the Fire' pack includes:

·        a digital exhibition on DVD with a 2 year licence for use in the purchasing church
·        an electronic book and planning aid produced by three experienced Christian event organisers, with samples and templates to save you time and effort
·        telephone, skype or e-mail support to help you use the pack effectively
·        access to a large pool of Christian artists who you may wish to involve in your project   

Each 'Run with the Fire' pack costs £50.00 (any profits, go to Oxfam) and can be bought from http://www.veritasse.co.uk/ or by contacting Sue Newham on 01686 626228.

Sunday 8 January 2012

Ideas Relay (9)

“There is a candle at the centre. It means Jesus. The candle looks like my Lord. He came very silently, softly, but did everything perfectly. A little tiny light recovers whole things; like Jesus does. Still, there are many incidents in the world like natural disasters, wars and illnesses. I hope and pray that my Lord recovers everything, for little people with hopelessness and sickness. I did some things on bandages and expressed some people who have troubles, needs, wishes. Also I did some things on the canvases that mean hope, rest, new life. The candle (Jesus) recovers people and the world. He is only one who can make it.”


Hyun-Young Kim

Ideas Relay (8)

“I believe that God uses small tiny acts or words as well as big spectacular ones to set of a chain of events, which can bring other to Christ, even as a small flame can dispel the darkness, and can also set the forest on fire. In line with this idea, my vision is of a small insignificant person carrying a candle or small flame of some sort, in a forest. The flame particularly illuminates a tree, which is in the shape of a cross. Also a flame may be already catching on one or more of the trees.”

Jen Smith

Ideas Relay (7)

“‘Nudum Christum, nudus sequere’ – naked we follow the naked Christ. A cry from the Middle Ages proclaiming that to follow Christ we, like Christ, must leave behind us everything which might stand between ourselves and God. We shall have no concern for wealth, for riches or for influence but freely embrace poverty and simplicity. Many historic writers developed the themes of naked poverty and renunciation in their theologies while others like St Francis looked on the poverty of the naked and crucified Christ in a more literal way, standing before the Bishop and people of Assisi as the young Francis turned his life from the world, and laying naked on the bare earth when dying and awaiting the final journey to God. ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there’. (Job 1:21)”

Glenn Lowcock