Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Act of Faith


I've been inspired by this wintery gift-giving season, so for this project, I knew I wanted to give something away.

I decided to create prints from a series I've been working on over the semester called "Like the Moon."

This unfinished series is my exploration of how the moon might be related to the human experience given to us by God. Though I am still learning so much about this topic, I realized that the images I've been creating might have the potential to bless, challenge, and affirm others.

I am learning that like the moon, we mysteriously exist with intrinsic value. 

On the front and back of each print, I wrote generalized notes -- things I hope people know, affirmation, or words I wish had been spoken to me. The notes ranged from single sentences to multiple paragraphs, but the point made on each was this:

You are loved. You have intrinsic value.
After writing dozens of notes on my prints, I braved the rain to stick them around downtown Newberg. My goal was to place them around inconspicuously, so as not to create a display or scene, but still so they'd be found and read soon. 

I had a lot of fun with this idea. I felt like a sneaky Christmas elf leaving unexpected presents for strangers. 

After spreading the prints/notes around, I realized that what I'd done was so much easier than I'd expected it to be. For some reason, I'd anticipated such a hassle. However, though the process was somewhat time consuming, it really energized me. This type of gentle evangelism helped me to see that my relationship with art + faith does not need to be loudly proclaimed from my lips, but can be shared through simple, quiet actions. I was reminded that doing is more important than talking, and I feel encouraged to continue. 

I must admit I'm nervous that these pieces will be ignored, left unread, tossed out, or not received well. I suppose that's the bummer about doing things in secret -- there's no guarantee for feedback. However, I think there's something beautiful about not knowing what will happen. 

I plan to continue this project sporadically for a long, long time. The process of making my work so tangible and accessible is invigorating, and I have learned that this is what I want with my faith, too. 

I guess sometimes I need to let the most complex topics rest and be simple.

An example of one of the longer notes (excuse my language): "Forgive me if I seem like another Christian shoving gooey Jesus words down your throat, but consider hearing me out this time. . .I get it. God seems weird, prayer is uncomfortable, and church is often too touchy-feely if not condemning and/or judgmental (or just plain boring). I've experienced shit and I'll admit to you that I've questioned if GOd is some made up Bologna, or the real deal. Take it or leave it, all the God + Jesus stuff, but please hold on tho this. No matter what you've done, where you've been, what secrets you keep, or what insecurities you live with -- YOU ARE LOVED. You are worth more than anything you could think of -- regardless of your appearance, performance, possessions, interests, habits, or relationships. Maybe the world makes you feel empty, inadequate, or useless for whatever reasons, but please know that these are lies. I don't care if you're a slut, racist, druggie, shopaholic, Bible thumper, douche bag, toolbox, thief, idiot, lazy butt, or whatever you think you are -- YOU HAVE INTRINSIC VALUE. And forgive the haters, they've got their own crap to deal with."