On November 24, 2024 I, along with two of my artist friends, had our vernissage (opening) of our exhibition at Stensjökyrkan (Stensjö Church) in Mölndal, Sweden.
It's always such an interesting experience to see your work hanging on a wall. As artists I feel that we often become blind to our own progress even throughout working on one piece - let alone several.
Seeing my "The Throne of God" painting hung on the wall surrounded by my preliminary studies was quite rewarding. It was a bit frustrating in the beginning process of the painting, as I had to struggle to flesh out what exactly my vision for the painting was. I did around 9 studies just to feel that I had a firm enough sense of direction in order to begin on the large piece with any level of confidence.
"The Throne of God" was really a groundbreaking project for me as it forced me to face my greatest weakness as an artist - creating from imagination. Of course, I had references, but the original idea for this painting was a vision that I had in my head one day whilst praying. I've had such 'images' in my head before, however, when I have attempted to give life to these images through the creative arts, my results have been far from what I have imagined.
Facing this weakness was a struggle, but a rewarding one as I feel I have proven to myself that, even though still rather difficult, it is indeed possible for me to achieve such projects.
Thus my creative wheels continue to spin with new ideas that I'm sure will give me quite the challenge no matter how confident I may feel after the success in this painting.
Art can truly humble.
It was interesting to see how some people were more drawn to the painting of the throne, whereas others were more drawn to the drawing of Jesus - "The word became flesh". This drawing was stepping in a bit of a new direction for me. I am a realistic artist you see, so doing something of this graphic sort of nature was a tad out of my comfort zone. But the idea was too good not to give it a shot. And I'm quite pleased with the result. I have much to grow in, but I am pleased that I was able to give life to this beautiful illustration.
All in all, it was a wonderful show with wonderful friends. My fellow artists are such an inspiration to me and it is such a blessing and privilege to be surrounded by such great work as theirs. To be able to witness them breathing life into their vision is remarkable.
So thanks to my fellow exhibitors and to those friends and strangers who attended, commented, and complemented. I look forward to showing my work once again in the near future.
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