I know I’ve said this about all the guests I’ve had over to share in this space, but this one is extra special, because she is my mom. After you read her words, it will become clearer why I look at life the way I do. I was raised to make the best out of what life gave to you and find rich analogies along the way.
Thank you, mom, for sharing here today. I love seeing your artwork and words together!
I have always been a maker. I grew up sewing my clothes, as well as clothes for my Barbie doll. I made accessories for my bedroom, made gifts for my family. So majoring in art and becoming an art teacher was a perfect fit for me.
As a mom I sewed Julie’s clothes, made accessories for her room and began a “cottage” business making miniature collectibles for a wholesaler. Another characteristic of a maker is that I don’t easily discard things. Why? Because I might need it at some time to make some thing!
So, now after years and years, my home is filled with objects that my (or a loved one’s) hands have made. Everything has a story and memory connected with it.
Our “happy feet” table made by my husband, John.
Our God is a maker. Well, He is THE Maker… of Heaven and Earth (Gen 14:22). And I readily connect to verses such as “we are the clay and You are the potter” (Is 64:8), “we are God’s workmanship” (Eph 2:10), “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor 5:17).
Stacked used soap bars. Ha!
Currently, I create art quilts from my personally handwoven textiles. Yes, I actually cut up fabric that took me a tremendous amount of time and effort to hand weave on my loom.
I have found this to be incredibly exciting for me. I would like to share two metaphors to our faith walk in my creative process.
First, each of my woven quilts would not be complete or artistically rich without contrasting pieces. Often a weaving that I thought was unsuccessful, with an ugly combination of color and texture, is the very piece that works to fulfill my art quilt. And secondly, I have yardage that I wove over 15 years ago, some that were made into jackets or shawls, but now are reworked into a new “creation” that gives new life to the old.
Boxer_detail
May this encourage you that your Maker is faithful. He will complete the artwork that He has begun with you (Phil 1:6). And the darkest, ugliest parts when combined and reworked in His hands will be enough to complete you.
Times and events that seem to have had no purpose or value will not be wasted. He works all things for His purpose. All to His glory. So, now after years and years, my life is filled with His workmanship. Through my eyes of faith I find this incredibly exciting.
Deal With It
My mom isn’t on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter, but you can find more of her work on her website. She is a Professor of Art at the University of Central Arkansas where she teaches her passion, art education. After spending 7 years teaching 6-12th grade art in East Texas, she pursued her Doctorate and found a job at UCA. She’s seen just about everything that goes on in a classroom, trust me, nothing shakes her, and she gets to offer that wisdom to future teachers about to embark on the same journey.
Thanks for sharing, Mom!
I hope your faith is growing along with mine as we explore this topic of faith every day for 31 days. If you’re just now joining me, you can catch up on all my posts HERE.
Julie Steck 