"The Church"
A Series of Paintings on the 7 Churches in Revelation by Jennifer White
Although there is an element of beauty in my work, capturing visual beauty in and of itself is not my main objective. I am interested in making art that conveys a beautiful concept or powerful truth, as well as a beautiful image. My goal as an artist is to make work that touches other human beings and changes them for the better. I want my work to arouse in the viewer the deep longing in our souls for a love that moves us and captivates us. This perfect love and beauty can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The lines and grids in my paintings emerge from both the visual intrigue and purpose of blueprints. They are a symbolic reference to God's plan and His sovereign presence. God is the "Divine Architect". He is always orchestrating His plan to bring glory to Himself.
In 2010, I began questioning the mission and effectiveness of the modern church and began searching through scripture. As I studied the seven churches in Revelation, I felt inspired to do a series of paintings on The Church. The resulting paintings explore the different conditions of the church, both positive and negative. While The Church is not a building or an event we attend; for the sake of visual language, I chose to paint simplified church buildings. The Church is the body of Christ. We are His bride. I decided to paint all of the churches white after reading Acts 10:15, which states: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Although, there is judgment from God toward the churches in negative conditions, there is also hope. Hope in Jesus, that through Him, we can change... we can wake-up... we can remember and return.
A Series of Paintings on the 7 Churches in Revelation by Jennifer White
Although there is an element of beauty in my work, capturing visual beauty in and of itself is not my main objective. I am interested in making art that conveys a beautiful concept or powerful truth, as well as a beautiful image. My goal as an artist is to make work that touches other human beings and changes them for the better. I want my work to arouse in the viewer the deep longing in our souls for a love that moves us and captivates us. This perfect love and beauty can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The lines and grids in my paintings emerge from both the visual intrigue and purpose of blueprints. They are a symbolic reference to God's plan and His sovereign presence. God is the "Divine Architect". He is always orchestrating His plan to bring glory to Himself.
In 2010, I began questioning the mission and effectiveness of the modern church and began searching through scripture. As I studied the seven churches in Revelation, I felt inspired to do a series of paintings on The Church. The resulting paintings explore the different conditions of the church, both positive and negative. While The Church is not a building or an event we attend; for the sake of visual language, I chose to paint simplified church buildings. The Church is the body of Christ. We are His bride. I decided to paint all of the churches white after reading Acts 10:15, which states: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Although, there is judgment from God toward the churches in negative conditions, there is also hope. Hope in Jesus, that through Him, we can change... we can wake-up... we can remember and return.
"Remember and Return" - Church in Ephesus, Acrylic, 36 x 36
The Church in Ephesus was known for leaving her first love, Jesus. May she remember and return.
The Church in Ephesus was known for leaving her first love, Jesus. May she remember and return.
"Overflow" - Church in Philadelphia, Acrylic, 36 x 36
The Church in Philadelphia was commended for their brotherly love.
The Church in Philadelphia was commended for their brotherly love.
"Neither Hot, Nor Cold" - Church in Laodicea, Acrylic, 48 x 48
The Church in Laodicea was known for being lukewarm and apathetic.
The Church in Laodicea was known for being lukewarm and apathetic.
"Endure Patiently" - Church in Smyrna, Acrylic, 36 x 36
The church in Smyrna suffered persecution, poverty and martyrdom.
The church in Smyrna suffered persecution, poverty and martyrdom.
"In, Not Of" - In contrast to the Church in Pergamum, Acrylic, 36 x 36
"Heartbreaking", Acrylic, 36 x 36
This painting depicts a "church split", which is usually an unfortunate result of man's agenda and disunity.
This painting depicts a "church split", which is usually an unfortunate result of man's agenda and disunity.
"Together", Acrylic, 36 x 36
"Mile Wide, An Inch Deep" - Church in Thyatira, Acrylic, 24 x 48
The Church in Thyatira was known for tolerating a false prophetess, compared to Jezebel. False preaching is symbolized by the fragmented state of the church.
The Church in Thyatira was known for tolerating a false prophetess, compared to Jezebel. False preaching is symbolized by the fragmented state of the church.
"Foundation of Truth", Acrylic, 48 x 36
May church leaders preach the Word of God, the Holy Bible. May we advance God's Kingdom by preaching the gospel and proclaiming that Jesus is LORD.
May church leaders preach the Word of God, the Holy Bible. May we advance God's Kingdom by preaching the gospel and proclaiming that Jesus is LORD.
"Isolated", Acrylic, 48 x 36
This church is isolated from her surroundings. She has let her fears hold her back by clinging to comfort and safety. In order to BE the church, we must courageously embrace our mission to make disciples... which involves taking risks.
This church is isolated from her surroundings. She has let her fears hold her back by clinging to comfort and safety. In order to BE the church, we must courageously embrace our mission to make disciples... which involves taking risks.
