ARTIST STATEMENT:

Bre Downer

The Process:

I really wanted to paint the skies that I’ve worshiped under so many times, and a specific moment came to me immediately. I remember watching the sun descend and was in awe of the magnitude of the cumulus clouds. Their colors all mixed almost like a liquid, the golds and oranges....they completely overwhelmed me with a deep sense of awe. As the sun set, the warmth of the colors reminded me of God’s nearness, and the deep purples and blues reminded me of his power. This awe is something I wanted to capture.

The use of gold leaf was two fold. I wanted the painting to play with illumination and light. Gold is naturally reflective and brightens the tones around it. Thus allowing for a contrast that I find visually rewarding. It also allows for personal reflection on the words of the Psalmists regarding the commandments of the Lord. I feel painting with oil over gold leaf allows God’s creation to showcase its beauty and gives us a moment to pause and reflect upon the work of the Lord's hands. How worthy is he to be praised?

The Vision

In this Psalm of David we learn of different ways the Lord declares himself to his creation and the invitations and warnings he gives us to receive his grace. The first invitation is to look up to the heavens (vs 1-6). They are constantly pouring forth speech and proclaiming his splendor and also his nearness! Accept the invitation to see the salvation of our God.

The second invitation is to look down into God’s word (vs. 7-11) and be humbled all the same. The declaration of God’s glory is across every page. It illuminates hearts the way the sun illuminates the sky, enlightening the eye and soul. As Martin Luther so beautifully stated when talking about Psalm 19, “My conscience has become captive to the word.” It is not enough to just stand in awe of the heavens, we must then accept the invitation the Psalmist gives, and take the warning and gift graciously given to submit to the creator of heaven and earth.

How kind is God to allow his creation to proclaim his grace and also his word to shout with even greater clarity the grace we have through Christ? Both sing the same song. Both sing his praises. Both declare the steadfast love of the bridegroom in greater revelation. Just like the sun rises and sets with endurance, so Christ, our bridegroom, mercifully reveals his warmth and love to seeking souls. I pray we receive this invitation and warning. Look inward (vs. 12-14), repent, allow the Lord to cleanse you of sins you see and also sins you are unaware of, then receive the blood of Jesus over your life, which covers a multitude of sins.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Tami Bolte

The Heavens are evidence of God's existence and Power, His Love and care. God reveals Himself through nature to man, which He also omnipotently created. How can one look up at the stars, the moon and the galaxies and not be humbled at the sheer majesty of our Creator? His vast knowledge and creativity leave you speechless yet so thankful for showing us a glimpse of ALL Yahweh is, The splendor of His glory. It's hard to fathom that our Lord created the Heavens above, and gives each of us and our senses, such delight, without saying a word! Yet, NO ONE is exempt from enjoying and drawing closer to knowing and believing in God personally! It is this high view of God, the moon, stars, the skies, that was significant in my own journey to knowing Him personally.

God used glow of a full moon to draw my heart to Him as a 17-year-old at a summer church camp. I wasn't a Christian but was drawn to God's people, something I had not desired before. Three weeks earlier, I had been stood up for my junior prom and was told "I was not WORTH talking” by my boyfriend. All I heard was... YOU ARE NOT WORTH MUCH.

Now, three weeks later, I came to camp with my best friend, and let her wear my new Senior class ring I had just saved and bought. She lost it during camp. But instead of being angry, I felt peace I couldn't explain! Campfire had ended on the last night of camp, and I heard of God's love for ME! John 3:16 was shared and my heart understood that Jesus died for ME, my sins. As I walked down the hill, in the bright blue moonlight, I noticed a sparkle SO bright in the tall grass. I reached down to see it and it was my Senior ring!!In my heart I heard, "My Love for you is SO MUCH MORE THAN A RING! Follow Me!”

God valued my life! He had drawn me to this moment and valued me! By looking up into that sky, He drew my heart into realizing, the Creator of the Universe had been waiting for me to see a high view of Him and the piece of me I had been searching for that only HE could fill! My life has never been the same.

Without saying a word, HE said SO much about His love, grace and mercy to me that I don't deserve. His word truly IS more precious than gold! I chose to paint the vast starry sky with an eclipse of the moon. His light shining through the darkness—-just as it had changed my dark heart with HIS light and mercy. Huntsville has experienced the display of his glory lately in so many amazing ways: The Northern lights, solar and lunar eclipses and the brilliant views of the stars, I wanted them all to be displayed. My painting incorporates acrylics and gold leaf and it you look closely... you can see His Name written in the stars.

I am humbled and eternally grateful for this opportunity. Look up! Be still! and listen for His whisper! O LORD, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!