I Am Here

Sometimes, for me, I feel that I pray with my hands. Maybe those "groanings" that the Holy Spirit helps us speak to God without words. I painted this piece from Matthew 14 (Jesus walking on water). I found myself in the place where I was just afraid (again). I like the New Living Translation where Jesus says, "Take courage! I am here!" The texture on this comes from using metal leaf (brass) and then spraying patinas on it so that is eats away at the leaf over several weeks. Then I put layers of oil paint over it. Something about that "rough" surface has been very dear to me. What gets eaten away can be a way to beauty. Not perfection but something worn and dear.