Type of Submission
Podium Presentation
Keywords
photography, ceramics, macrame, flowers, chess
Proposal
My work as an artist primarily explores wonder in ordinary life. The earth is filled with experiences that engage the senses—beauty that is touched, seen, heard, and felt—and stirs hearts and souls toward God. From the beginning of time, God has invited all men to find joy and pleasure in their work and play, or to “taste and see” that He is good. The Biblical narrative displays the truth of God’s love through artistic imagery, metaphor, and stories. In my work, I emphasize the tangible ways that this truth appears through everyday life. I primarily use natural materials such as clay, textiles, and wood, which invite exploration through touch. I have seen that the simplest things—such as a fresh snowfall, the taste of good coffee, or an early sunrise—can fill anyone with an awe of God, so long as they have the eyes to see it.
While much of my work draws directly from Biblical stories, some highlight the beautiful nature of story and narrative itself. Other pieces are derived from my own story, growing up in the wintry forests of Minnesota and the Scandinavian heritage of my family and home. I often use motifs from Scandinavian folk art in my work, and sometimes include an interactive element for viewers to explore. My hope is that those who interact with my work might be challenged to find wonder in the ordinary world around them.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Publication Date
2024
Ordinary Wonder
My work as an artist primarily explores wonder in ordinary life. The earth is filled with experiences that engage the senses—beauty that is touched, seen, heard, and felt—and stirs hearts and souls toward God. From the beginning of time, God has invited all men to find joy and pleasure in their work and play, or to “taste and see” that He is good. The Biblical narrative displays the truth of God’s love through artistic imagery, metaphor, and stories. In my work, I emphasize the tangible ways that this truth appears through everyday life. I primarily use natural materials such as clay, textiles, and wood, which invite exploration through touch. I have seen that the simplest things—such as a fresh snowfall, the taste of good coffee, or an early sunrise—can fill anyone with an awe of God, so long as they have the eyes to see it.
While much of my work draws directly from Biblical stories, some highlight the beautiful nature of story and narrative itself. Other pieces are derived from my own story, growing up in the wintry forests of Minnesota and the Scandinavian heritage of my family and home. I often use motifs from Scandinavian folk art in my work, and sometimes include an interactive element for viewers to explore. My hope is that those who interact with my work might be challenged to find wonder in the ordinary world around them.
