The original painting was created ‘live’ over Zoom for students of Northern Baptist College who are leaving their ‘minister in training’ course and heading off to lead churches around the North West.
The inspiration initially came from the Psalms, some beautiful verses about spaciousness and protection:
‘He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.’ (Psalm 18.19)
‘You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.’ (Psalm 31.8)
‘Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.’ (Psalm 57.1)
I wanted to create something that spoke of space and joy fullness, a sense of what is to come. Within the twirl and flying of the kites is a circle of feathers symbolising God’s presence and surrounding.
I shared a photo of what I had created on-line and my lovely neighbour sent me a message after she had spent an afternoon with her granddaughter and son on the playing fields flying a kite!
She wrote: “It seems to symbolise all our hopes and prayers, and a soaring optimism.” What a lovely insight into what I hoped I could bring through a simple painting.
This is printed on canvas and wrapped around a wooden frame. It s glossy in texture and appearance.
The print measures approx 20cm by 30cm.