by Heather Fisher

Autumn is a season that calls most to introspection.  The warmth of summer transforms into the chill of autumn storms and the landscape around us turns from lush and green to burnt oranges and vibrant reds.  We find ourselves rediscovering large amounts of time previously spent outdoors during the warmer weather.  These moments allow us to contemplate our lives and our walk with Christ.  The art we have gathered for this quarter’s show reflect these sentiments.  Art allows glimpses into reframed identities, a visible connection to nature through our creator, as well as understanding of city and landscape through the abstract, visual truths that words cannot convey. 

Upon entering the foyer you will notice two large paintings of deer in the woods painted by Brian Barber.  These paintings evoke strong emotion in their simplicity.  Throughout Song of Songs we hear both lovers describe each other’s attributes using nature’s language.  These paintings reveal that beauty while still remaining somewhat veiled.    To the right of these paintings is a piece by Scott Erickson which recognizes the beauty of the changing seasons through the annual migration of geese.  It begs the viewer to remember the intentional design of our creator happening all around us, whether we choose to stop and revel in it or overlook its importance entirely.

Inside the auditorium you will find the work of Liz Maxfield.  This series demonstrates the obvious beauty and whimsy Liz encountered in Europe intertwined with the incomparable strength we find in our community, our city within a city. 

In the upstairs hallway you will see the work of Heidi Wygle and Jessica Phoenix.  As God has blessed her and her husband with the birth of her children and the growth of her family, Heidi’s artistic style has also evolved.  Her artwork reflects her changed identity and incorporates the inspiration of her children.  The joy her children provide her with is present in each piece.  Jessica’s pieces remind us that God is in the everyday.  Too frequently we fail to notice God’s presence in the minuscule tasks that can seem to make up our daily lives, seeing Him only in the exceptional moments.  Here we see snapshots of routine daily moments encouraging us to be mindful of God’s presence in all aspects of our existence. 

As you start to walk down the stairs you will see two abstract landscapes by Liz Maxfield.  These black and white charcoal drawings demonstrate the interaction of the landscape around us. Earth collides with the sky at the horizon line and all other objects in that physical space interact with each other within the framework those absolute truths command.  These pieces suggest that we are all, as is the natural landscape around us, working within the framework our creator set before us.  When our identity is in him we no longer have to struggle and fight our surroundings as we learn surrender to what God has orchestrated and created from the beginning. 

Scott Erickson’s painting at the bottom of the stairs renders a brother in need.  In this season of feasting we are called to be thankful for God’s provision while recognizing all that we have is His.  We are meant to remain humble in our blessings and warned against becoming “…arrogant, overfed and unconcerned” 
(Ezekiel 16:49).

As you gather downstairs for some coffee and fellowship, you will find more work by Liz Maxfield along with the work of Shara Liou and photography by Joy Wysong.  Liz’s abstract figure drawings ask us to consider what our presence on this earth truly resembles.  She conveys mood and space through her vivid color choices as she portrays the figures relating to their surroundings.  Joy’s black and white photos impart our methods of asking for guidance, giving thanks, being in prayer and the strength our hands speak in that process.    The work of Shara is intensely personal and vulnerable.  Her two portrait studies allow us to experience her pain as she struggles to know she is heard in prayer.  Her intentional and violently applied color palette reflects the sacrifice that was made for her to enter His presence in prayer.

As the final fruits are harvested at the end of the season we are inspired to examine where our first fruits are given.  The work of each artist, our pastoral staff and our members encourage each of us to embrace this season of contemplation and thanks.  Whether that be through reframing our identity in Christ, discovering the connection to our creator through creation or humble thanksgiving.  Each of us stands to grow from the stories of those in our communities.  We encourage you take a moment of your time to understand the personal message you are to receive from the art that hangs in these halls.  

-Artist Reformation Project: Lake City