Sacred Expressions: June 2011

Thursday, June 2, 2011

What if Jesus was actually Drawing in the Sand?

What if Jesus was actually drawing in the sand, not writing, when the woman was accused of adultery? What if Jesus was expressing his compassion on the woman through artistic expression? What if he was preparing his teaching for the men who brought her with a quick drawing? What if he were delivering the Word through artistic expression? Through his parables, he drew for the people visual images of God's realm. What if those visual images weren't solely metaphorical? Wouldn't we be amazed if archeologists would one day unsurface a papyrus or sheepskin sketch journal that Jesus may have kept?

Artist Statement

As a pastor, my call is to share the liberating welcome of Christ. The work of art you see is rooted in this call. Because viewers are of various faiths or proclaiming no faith, this body of work strives to be not only didactic, but also fun for all to enjoy.

This body of work uses vivid colors, angular lines, and often, geometric shapes to recall Biblical narratives. The pieces are filled with compositions, visual textures, shading, patterns, and a variety of mark making that intrigue and resonate with people, whether they are drawn to their themes or designs. Composed of a variety of techniques, styles, and mediums, the pieces are usually studies of paintings, drawings, and sculptures created by well known artists, using the style of other artists to portray faith through contemporary form.

Viewers familiar with the scriptures will encounter stories of faith, bidding them to reflect and act in the example of Christ. Yet many have experienced pain within the Church. The hope of this body of work is to give those who have been wounded an opportunity to experience the Gospel without judgment, and instead be filled with the hope and life it was written to give God’s people.

Biography

An ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, Skinner-Noble creates sacred art as a form of prayer and reflection. Skinner-Noble works with pencil, acrylic, archival ink, and oil pastel creating two dimensional compositions and metal, wood, glass, and soap to create sculptures for teaching the people of God about who God is and who they are called to be as have artist throughout the Church’s history. Skinner-Noble also creates whimsical abstract art that is functional and simply for the joy of experiencing art. In addition to making her work available for corporate and individual worship, Skinner-Noble creates commission pieces for religious organizations and agencies. She also speaks with groups about the history of various styles of art that have been made for the Church throughout the ages and their role in religious education and worship.

Art for Corporate and Individual Worship

Thursday, June 2, 2011

What if Jesus was actually Drawing in the Sand?