By Jean Smith
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| Deep Breakthrough, 24" x 36" oil |
I am an oil painter with a preference for portraits and figures, but about two years ago, while everyone sang songs to God in church, I started expressing my worship with paint. I painted this piece Sunday, March 12, 2012, for the grand opening of Center City Church's new building in downtown Greensboro, NC.
I had asked God for an idea, an image, wisdom, encouragement, and favor before I painted this. When I got ready to lay down the first stroke, I still wasn't sure what direction to go. I started with a big white swipe with my pallet knife. It unfolded, and I participated. All that makes me, me, is here. Things that I know. Things that I feel. Skills that I have. A willingness to take risks. Faith. a heart for the things of God and his people.
The concept of a breakthrough from a deep place began to emerge. I thought of breaking the strongholds, such as lies we believe or the repercussions of a damaged childhood, that keep us from living the full and vibrant life we were meant to live. Of kicking out that ceiling that isolates and smothers us. Of taking what we know and acting on it instead of believing in our own excuses. There are dynamics here. Intercession. Not settling for the norm.
How it gets from the soul to the canvas is still very much a mystery to me. Often I don't have anything to say about what I just painted until I sit down and look at it from afar. Then I see something in it or know who it's for. It amazes me. God often speaks to me through the feedback I get to confirm what it says. I get to know and experience the faithfulness that God has for me and his dear ones. I paint prophetically even though I don't understand how it works.
I just know it does.
When Jean was seven years old, her grandmother taught her how to sew. That launched her into a lifelong pursuit of craftsmanship and creative problem solving for the fun of making her own stuff. She tried everything from sewing, quilting, and macrame', to Indian beading and beyond. In 2004, Jean delved into oil painting.
Currently, Jean belongs to The Cosmic Cow Society, Art With Purpose, and The Portrait Society of America. Her day job is carrying mail for the US Postal Service. She accepts portrait commissions. To see samples of her work, please visit her website and sign up for her blog at www.JeanSmithArtist.com. Jean lives in Winston-Salem, NC.
