Lent 1. Nativity 1. The Birth of Jesus The Messiah

Matthew 1.18-25

DREAMS, pastels

John Ward is a priest and artist who has always been drawn to make things. He learnt to work with pastels after supporting the establishment of an annual community Art Exhibition in Heathridge. While at Kalamunda John has fostered community involvement in a number of sculptural projects, culminating in “The Hospitable Kingdom”, a 2m high illumination of the parable of the mustard seed.

Artist Statement

This work seeks to play on the words of Matthew 1.19 where Joseph, on hearing that his betrothed was pregnant [by the holy spirit], was minded to not deliver Mary to public scandal or punishment but intended to “put her away privily” KJV. Joseph is putting the marriage glass away (the glass broken in much later Jewish wedding tradition to remind all present of the destruction of the Temple). The glass remains intact, but his marriage plans do not. The lid bears the image of the Tree of Life which in wedding certificates of contemporary Judaism. The trees on these documents are often composed of two intertwined elements representing the wedding couple. This is represented here by the heart shape formed by the two major branches. In the context of the birth of the Messiah and the tree of life image evokes the one who hangs accursed upon the tree of death that is to be transformed into the source of new life. This happens in the darkness of night as he goes to bed, but also in the darkness of the loss of his dreams of marrying Mary. In the night he is given another dream that God’s hand is indeed behind Mary’s pregnancy and he is go ahead marry her and be a father to the child.

Lent 2. Nativity 2. The visit of the Wise men

Matthew 2.1-12

BAGGAGE, acrylic

Chris Robins and his wife Linley have lived in Gooseberry Hill and have attended St Barnabas Church in Kalamunda for over 30 years. Chris began attending oil painting classes in Melbourne in the late 1970s while serving there with the Air Force. His teacher introduced him to the Impressionist style of painting. Chris was transferred to Perth in 1985 and began Studies toward a Diploma in Art at the TAFE campus in Wattle Grove but did not complete them. Chris commenced work with the State Government in 1988 and is currently working as a Finance Officer with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in West Perth opposite the entrance to Kings Park. This painting is his first art project and use of acrylic paints in more than 30 years.

Artist Statement

My painting shows the three wise men on camels with another camel carrying their baggage as the village of Bethlehem comes into view in the distance. The western sky shows the red afterglow of sunset, while in the dark night sky overhead the first of the stars are becoming visible.

The brightest star, which they have been following is directly above Bethlehem, where faint light from oil lamps in some of the houses is barely visible. The wise men and their camels are illuminated by starlight they had followed the star from its rising in the east and came to find the child who had been born to be king of the Jews.

I wonder what connection did these wise men have with the Jewish faith that they would follow the star to find the one foretold by scripture. Were they Jews who had been living in a foreign land who were also students of astrology? They must have had a great faith or been inspired by great vision to travel so far over inhospitable terrain to find the child of prophecy. Like all travellers they take baggage with them, supplies to sustain them, clothing and gifts for their hosts. What special knowledge or insight did they have, to choose the gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh?

Like all other travellers they also carry the baggage of their personal life experiences which can greatly influence their decisions.

Lent 3. Nativity 3. The Escape to Egypt

Matthew 2.13-15

JOURNEY, charcoal on watercolour paper

Thanaporn Davies was born in Thailand. She ran her own family business. Thana live in Wattle Grove. In the past 10 years she has been studying and attending art classes in sculpture and painting. Art has always been a fascination and colour an interest from a very young age. She has been using her artistic ability in helping Pastor John Ward in many art projects.

This displays her love of God to the Kalamunda community.

Artist Statement

The artwork depicts the escape from Bethlehem to Egypt by Joseph, Mary & the baby Jesus. This action was caused by King Herod who had heard that a child had been born to be King of the Jews. This caused him great angst. Joseph saw the angel of the Lord in a dream who said “Get up, Take the child & his Mother and flee to Egypt. Herod the king of Judea is angry and has ordered that all children under 2 years old to be killed. He wants to stop what had been prophesied by the prophet Micah. That a child was born to be King of the Jews. The forced exile poses hardship for the family as they were away from home and were unable to return and settle affairs or collect Joseph tools. The journey itself was over 150 miles. As they left in the middle of the night was arduous and dangerous. The gold frankincense and myrrh given by the wise men are used for food and lodgings on the way. We know little about Joseph; however, he shows unwavering faith, although his life has been overturned. He has a fierce desire to protect his family. His unwavering obedience is crucial to God's Plan. This artwork shows a journey. Which, by God's will, no-one or nothing can stop.

A child has been born who is to be our Saviour.

Lent 4. Nativity 4. The Return from Egypt

Matthew 2.19-23

DESTINY, oils

Jeanine van Litsenborogh studied fine art in Port Elizabeth at Nelson Mandela University. She is currently living in Perth Australia and is a Mother of 3 and married to Tony. The family migrated to WA in 2011 to permanently call Australia home. Anne is an Art mentor and active member at Atwell art gallery in WA. Member of MMCA and often exhibits at local art exhibitions and the annual Melville art awards. She offers private tutoring at times. Anne was behind the piece used as main prop in “NOAH”, an multiple award winning short film released in 2018 by WASA student. She is co-owner of “Decoby2,” ( www.decorby2.net) the creator for the exclusive range of limited edition cushions and prints to enhance your home, all designs based on original artworks. Anne's other interests include Volunteer Area Co-ordination for SFJ Australia West, at SFJ- “Search for Jesus”. An online ministry that engages people with the Gospel, creating online opportunities for them to access, understand and apply it to their lives and is a part of the Billy Graham Evangelic Association ministry.

www.searchforjesus.net, PeacewithGod.net, search for Jesus.net/pray and Goingfather.net

Artist Statement

The vast landscape draws the viewer in to the scene. You are an observer, walking one step behind always keeping the main characters in view. We stop with Joseph and Mary to momentarily observe what lies ahead. They are placed on the lower left hand corner, representing a negative space they fled their past, it is behind them. The road up ahead points to the upper right side of the painting representing what is good and positive. You as observer may take a moment to ponder and take in the scene. Where have they come from and where will they go? The scene is peaceful, almost surreal as they seem in no hurry to progress farther along their journey. They may ponder what lies ahead, what might this new future hold?

The figures looking forward. There is no fear of being followed, no one in pursuit, the past is behind them, no need to look back.

The unit of three only suggested ,the mother sitting on the colt, the golden orb of a halo embraces them and suggests the kinship, the power and protection of the heir to the throne, the light of the world.

The clothes that drape them fits the era, yet a hint of red suggests at what’s to come. The baby obscured, hidden from view and protected from our gaze by loving parents. This prepares us for the time to come, his ministry only started in his 30th year.

As your eyes lead to the road that lays open ahead, there seems no cover, no protection, all is exposed, nothing to hide behind and nothing to fear as here they are poised to step into the words of the prophets written so long ago, “and he shall be called a Nazarene”, the prophesy is fulfilled.

Just so should we be sure of our path as we follow Him that has shown that there is nothing to fear. We can step forward boldly, knowing we are purposed and protected along our life journey with our saviour as our guide.

The colt, nearly miss-able, yet quietly there. His presence unnoticed yet he carries unmeasured worth. The Christ child, protected and carried to safety, but in a time yet to come, the colt would carry him to expose him to his sacrificial end. So should we carry our load, as this beast of burden does, quietly and humbly accepting of what’s yet to come.

The city lies at peace, lit by the heavenly host suspended in the deep night sky. Warm and welcoming, it beckoning them home. So are we called home by our heavenly host.

The starry sky hosts one much brighter than itself and offers a space large enough for the messenger to show the way.

A representation of the Holy Spirit our eternal guide to bring us eternally home.

Lent 5. Call to Ministry 1. The Proclamation of John the Baptist

Matthew 3.1-12

JOHN, redline embroidery

Lin Robins is married to Chris. She has three children and six grandchildren. Lin has no formal art qualifications; however, she has been the support person to her husband, second daughter and now younger daughter as they have and are still studying various art courses. Lin started a certificate of dressmaking at TAFE, where she really enjoyed learning embroidery. This is the first time that Lin has completed an embroidery for an art exhibition. She really enjoys sewing but still has a lot to learn and being retired is hoping to increase her skills.

Artist Statement

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea proclaiming repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near this is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said “the voice of one crying in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord make the path straight”. John said I baptise you with water for repentance but one is more powerful than I is coming after me and he will baptise with the spirit and fire. For my art work I chose to use redwork embroidery for simplicity to illustrate the above piece of my reading. John was a rugged man unshaven and wearing clothes of camel hair. I have chosen to sew my piece with uneven, rougher and larger stitches to depict this ruggedness. He came with the message of repentance and the red embroidery spoke to me of John losing his life and also the blood of Jesus. The white fabric the purity of the spirit and forgiveness. John‘s message to us all is to repent, be baptised and be cleansed of our sins and be ready for what is to come. Jesus is coming with the spirit to cleanse our spirits and make us whole.

Lent 6. Call to Ministry 2. The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3.13-17

I'M READY, collage

Mary Raycraft is an American transplant in Australia who spends her time teaching others. She is passionate about sharing her love of Math with her students, especially her son, whom she homeschools. An avid reader, Mary takes vacations in great stories. Art and artistic abilities have never been her forte’, thus this project was a stretch out of her comfort zone (to some degree).

Artist Statement

When I began thinking of this project, I read and reread the passage. I kept getting an image of a star breaking through the surface of the River Jordan with glory. The star was blazing as it rose toward the heavens proclaiming Jesus’ readiness to take on his role publicly and begin his ministry in earnest. I tried! I really tried to make that picture come through with paints, coloured chalk, even oil pastels. The house was littered in rejected artwork. As I struggled to bring my vision to fruition, my ever supportive husband, Alan, said, “Your art is good, but I think you don’t see it because you have always been so good with words that you aren’t able to see your skill with drawing.” WORDS! That was the key. My work is a collection of words that I found in the final Sunday paper of 2019, The Western Australian. These words all reflect the feels and thoughts I have on the passage on Jesus’ baptism. The primary focus is the large phrase ‘I’m Ready’, which is what Jesus was saying to the world when he went to be baptized by John. From the tiniest thought of ‘plan’ to the most prophetic, ‘lost- and then found’, these words all spoke to me about the meaning of Jesus’ baptism. It fascinates me that these words given to the people at the end of 2019 still reflect the hopes, fears and desires of our Lord all those many years ago. His baptism and the plan that it put in place did not end then, they are still relevant to us today. The need to follow God’s plan for our lives and trust in His will for us is ever present. The fact that the words around us still proclaim this is awe-inspiring to me. While the words in the work are intended to reflect Jesus’ baptism, you will notice an emerging cross under the words. The Cross; His baptism led to the Cross which leads us all Home!

Lent 7. Call to Ministry 3. The temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4.1-11

TEMPERED, acrylic

Tracey Jones lives in Gooseberry Hill. She attends the Kalamunda Learning Centre where she learns about sculpture. In this painting of the temptation of Christ, she was strongly influenced by the work of primitive artist, Henri Rousseau.

Artist Statement

This picture is a depiction of the story of the temptation of Christ, when he was led into the wilderness by the Spirit, where he fasted for 40 days and nights, and was tempted by the Devil to use his God-given powers for the purposes of self-preservation and self-aggrandizement. My picture focusses on the 40 lonely nights, rather than the days, and what it must have been like to exist in the wilderness for that period, undoubtedly sleeping rough every night. I wonder whether the Spirit also led Jesus into the wilderness, not solely to be tempted, but to allow him to discern his true purpose in life, as he transitioned from the Nazarene carpenter he had been into so much more. And what role, the night-time, when one might dream, had in that process of discernment. I have included a serpent as a symbol of the Temptations that would follow. And in the background is the distant glow of a small town – perhaps Jerusalem? The serpent motif aims to connect the story of Jesus’ temptation, with the original temptation of Adam and Eve by a serpent in the Garden of Eden, and to remind us how he was able to overcome temptation where they failed, pointing to his future as the saviour of mankind.

Lent 8. Call to Ministry 4. Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee

Matthew 4.12-17

DAWNING, glass - fused and/or slumped

I have been a potter for many years, having completed a diploma in Art and Design at the Forrestfield Technical College in the 1980’s In the early 1990’s I was introduced to glass fusing and since that time have done many workshops with visiting international artists learning new and different techniques. I use Art Glass imported from America and have my own kiln. I use my pottery knowledge to make my own moulds for slumping the glass into platters and bowls.

Artist Statement

The Passage relates to Jesus leaving Nazareth to make his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zabulun and Naphtali to fulfil the words of the profit Isaiah “The land of Zabulun and Naphtali on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned” I enjoyed the challenge of interpretating the text into a glass picture I have tried to create a feeling of the light descending on a group of people in the darkness. I spent a great deal of time and thought in choosing the glass to represent the people, the sea and the desert. Special Dichroic glass was used for the rays of light. After cutting all the different shapes, these were assembled onto an opaque white base glass and fused together in a kiln to 815degrees Celsius A second firing using black opaque glass was used for the frame.

Lent 9. Call to Ministry 5. Jesus calls his disciples

Matthew 4.18-22

GONE FISHING, artline pen

Henry Baker is a 15 year old high school student from Albany Western Australia. He has always loved drawing and any form of art, but is particularly fond of cartooning. Henry enjoys expressing joy and humour in what God has created.

Artist Statement

When I read the passage, “follow me and I will make you fishermans of men”, the picture that instantly popped into my head was some people on a boat fishing for men; and Jesus’ is leading them and guiding them and they are making mistakes. He is always perfect, but they are always needing help, and I like to use humour in reading the Bible and cartooning because it can help people to better engage in the Bible….because it is a better opening point….because sometimes the Bible can be a bit intimidating and really God is not that intimidating, He is quite a funny “person”. So that is what I drew.

Lent 10. Call to Ministry 6. Jesus ministers to crowds of people

Matthew 4.23-25

CURED, embroidery

Jane Davies has been a member of St Barnabas Church for 43 years and has been involved in the singing group and other roster groups including flower arranging. Since her retirement from teaching 13 years ago, she have enjoyed being part of the Barney’s Coffee Shop team on Saturday Kalamunda Market days and has loved to cook for this as well as the fete and other events.

Artist Statement

For me, what stood out from these verses was the healing power of Christ. My embroidery is based on part of verse 24 – “… they brought to him all the sick … and he cured them.” As well as the four representations of people coming to, or, being brought to Jesus for healing, I have taken the liberty of including the well-known story of the healing of the ten lepers from Luke 17: 11 – 19. i.e. one of those healed “fell on his face at Jesus’ feet” while the rest departed without thanking Him. I have also included the suggestion of the destination of Jesus by what can be seen of three dead trees on a distant hill. Jesus Himself is outside the frame. His presence is revealed by the faint circle of light centre front.

Lent 11. Sermon on the Mount 1. The Beattitudes

Matthew 5.1-12

LIVE, applique and quilting

Beverly Downing was born in Western Australia and has lived in Perth all her life. She is a mother and grandmother. With her husband, Derek, and she worked their own business for many years and are now retired. Bev has two children who are now married with their own families. The church has always been a part of Bev's life but understanding some readings was not always easy. She has worked as a volunteer for meals on wheels, on schools committees in many and varied positions, mainly in administration. Bev is currently a Warden and Treasurer of the church. Over the years she has tried many and varied crafts and hobbies with Paper tole, ceramics, scrapbooking being just a few. Sewing is a passion and 20 plus years ago Bev became interested in Patchwork, quilting and embroidery. Bev belongs to a variety of groups and enjoys sharing her skills and learning from and with others.

Artist Statement

The Sermon on the Mount - a way of living. The Sermon on the Mount is not as a lecture but is a way of life for his disciples. This is really an add on to the Ten Commandments. God blesses us when we are generous to the poor, feed the hungry, comfort those who are mourning, show mercy and forgive. When we are humble, when we pray for those less fortunate and seek justice for all. These are the things we are called to do. Then we are truly blessed. I tried to keep this simple so with just a quick look you can know how we are blessed. The flowers represent creation and are in a circle which represents the wonderful world in which we live. Each flower represents a verse. I chose Cream because life can be colourless and bland without God. The red reminds me of Christ’s crucifixion and his blood that was shed. Each flower is representative of a verse and how we are blessed when we follow this way of life. I have used simple words because it is not complicated and is important for us to do these things.

Lent 12. Sermon on the Mount 2. Salt and Light

Matthew 5.13-20

SALT AND LIGHT, photography

Shane Ellison is a local photographer who has been involved in most genres of photography, although bird photography is his passion. Shane’s photos have been exhibited in local galleries and a number of images have been sold. Framed photos have been donated to charities for auctions and fundraising. A member of the Belmont Camera Club, in 2019 Shane was awarded the Photographer of the Year. Recently he completed the Western Australia Photographic Judges Association course enabling him to judge photographic competitions.

Currently Shane is working on using a combination of photographic techniques to produce artistic and unusual images.

Artist Statement

Mathew’s gospel proclaims - You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone one in the house. This is represented by the lightbulb symbolising the light of God which surrounds the word salt, written in actual salt, which is you. God is the light. We are the salt of the earth. We all have something to contribute, something to offer. A talent, a calling given by God. The image is you, you are the salt, surrounded by the light of God.

Lent 13. Sermon on the Mount 3. Anger

Matthew 5.21-26

CHEAP MONEY, carbon rubbing on handmade papers

Laurence Venus grew up in Kalamunda, went to the local high school and graduated from Curtin University with an Arts Degree majoring in jewellery and 3 dimensional design. He teaches at a very large high school concentrating mainly in the field of metalwork and engineering. He is a professional picture framer which has also complemented the exhibitions of his paintings on silk. Laurence gains his inspiration from nature. His favourite period is the pre-Raphaelites. His passion however is anything to do with Mokome and Damascus steel.

Artist Statement

This piece of work has been created with the use of charcoal and two kinds of handmade paper, one containing bits of bark and the other containing cotton. I have used an old technique of rubbing a soft pencil crayon or charcoal onto a piece of paper which is on top of a textured surface. I first saw this being done as a child in York Minster to get impressions from old brass plaques and etchings. I thought this would be a good analogy for the work to immortalise coins by using a hand copied image on handmade paper of small plaques from different countries. At the centre of the work you will see a cross consisting of American coins with two Chinese coins at its base. Under this is a row of Indonesian coins and African coins. At the top there are three lines of coins: one of Australian cents which are out of circulation, American dimes (their lowest value of currency), and British pennies. These coins are copper which all electrical cabling is made from and therefore a major part of the world communication network. The most significant component I have used is the buttons which are holding up the cross. These are the cheapest buttons you can buy but which hold everything together. A coin that is no longer in circulation can always be made into a button. I tried three different combinations of coins. From the final combination I took four different types of rubbings, trying different weights of line from different drawing materials: crayon, charcoal, pencil and pastel. I decided on the charcoal because it made everything neutral, so the viewer had to really look at the work to see what was in it and not just see a load of coins someone had rubbed onto a bit of paper.

Lent 14. Sermon on the Mount 4. Faithfulness

Matthew 5.27-32

BUT I SAY TO YOU, pencil, coloured pencil on sandpaper

Les and his wife Glennys have lived in Gooseberry Hill for about 15 years; they have two daughters who live locally with their families. Les was complimented at primary school for his drawing and has since found enjoyment in the work of both famous and local artists. Occasionally Les will impulsively sketch a tree or scene to try to develop skill and style; and is thrilled when his art work is appreciated. When he first imagined the scene from Matthew, it was a simple pencil drawing; but it turned out to be more difficult than expected, not realising that the human body was so difficult to draw; proportions and posture would not harmonise, discovering how hard it is to foreshorten limbs, and, to portray the drape and fold of clothing! He now looks forward to illustrating more of the scriptures exploring other techniques and medium.

Artist Statement

I used colour for the figure of Jesus simply because life can only be found in Him. It was quite early in His work with the disciples that Jesus told them of His coming torture, death and coming back to life, So this ‘doom’ was hanging over everything Jesus did and said; we can appreciate His anger and frustration with His disciples, and other Jews; He wanted to get on with the task ahead. I tried to portray Him earnestly leaning forward, probably thinking, ‘pay attention, there isn’t much time!’ We might think that the bible is out of fashion because it contradicts public opinion; the Holy Scriptures have always told us what we don’t want to hear, so it has always been out of favour; if God’s opinion carries any weight in our lives we realise that it is us who are out of favour. Yet there is good news, it is specifically by God’s special favour that we are able to recognise and acknowledge our wayward attitudes and ideas. By His favour (grace) we can be reconciled to Him; having become friends with God by grace we become more sensitive to His guidance, instruction and correction (‘Pay attention to Me’). The respect and love we have for our life’s companion can only develop by our choice. Jesus takes the Jews beyond mere obedience to the Law – deeper, to the heart, where the will to follow Him finds its source.

Lent 15. Sermon on the Mount 5. Retaliation/ Love for Enemies

Matthew 5.38-47

BLINDSPOTS, plastic and paper

John Ward is a priest and artist who has always been drawn to make things. He learnt to work with pastels after supporting the establishment of an annual community Art Exhibition in Heathridge. While at Kalamunda John has fostered community involvement in a number of sculptural projects, culminating in “The Hospitable Kingdom”, a 2m high illumination of the parable of the mustard seed.

Artist Statement

My understanding of the "tooth for a tooth and eye for an eye" provision in Mosaic law is as a form of poetic justice which puts a stop to vendetta. In essence it becomes a means of settling disputes. As I read the intensification of Jesus radical extension of this settlement principle I wondered what it is that hinders this process, and the concept of blind-spot came to mind. Blind spots can be physical, as in those areas not covered by car mirrors, but they can also be in our heads, in our attitudes and asumptions. To heed Jesus' instructions to calmness in the face of abuse, to go the extra mile rather than foster resentfullness, to be generous to those who want to borrow and love those we see as enemies, is to adress our own blind sposts. My work invites us to consider our blindspots. The representation of the eye is a nod to the eye for an eye of jesus' quote. The iris is made to look like a camera iris, and in the place where the opyic nervecreates a physiological "blind spot" on the retina is awhite disk containing the shape of a person. This represents our shadow self, those things we haven't acknowleged about our own character that that we project on to others. This projection is so important in the maintenace of enemies, in the nurturing of resentments, and in the separation of them from us.

Lent 16. Sermon on the Mount 6. Prayer

Matthew 6.5-15

THE SHEPHERD, acrylic on canvas

Ruth Bale trained at Ruskin Hall School of Art, Boumville, England, in the 1960s and her favourite artists then ranged from Sorolla, Mondrian, Bacon and Matisse. She later moved around Australia, Papua New Guinea, Canada and Europe for many years, and was unable to do any art. Ten years ago I took up painting again and have been experimenting with many styles of artwork. Recently Ruth has been experimenting with dazzling light in minimal art, and "protest" painting, and is still experimenting and endeavouring to go wherever the painting path leads her. Ruth is a member of Kalamunda Arts Group, which meets in the wonderful sunlit church hall at St Bamabas Church, Kalamunda, every Wednesday from noon to 4pm.

Artist Statement

Matthew 6.5-15) tells the reader how to pray: "... do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street comers, so they may be seen by others." Matthew 6.5 "But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ” Matthew 7 The above passage is telling the reader he or she does not need to pray to God loudly in public, so that everybody (and God) can hear them. It is saying God will hear them wherever they are, whether they are in a quiet room (or on a quiet beach at sunset, as my painting depicts). One could say the parable, which was written nearly 2,000 years ago, could be speaking to today's "look at me" culture; the public obsession with fame and notoriety and "seIties"!

Lent 17. Sermon on the Mount 7. Treasures

Matthew 6.19-21, 24

ANTICIPATION, black ink on white canvas with mirror

Christine Pritchard Christine, who was born in Hull, Yorkshire, England, has been married to Doug, (who was born in Harvey, W.A.) for fifty-one years. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. They were both confirmed at St Barnabas in Kalamunda. Christine studied art at John Curtin High School, and also attended Saturday classes with the outstanding art teacher, and painter, Henry Froudist. (1902-1969). As a teacher, Christine taught art in both primary and secondary schools, in WA and the ACT, and, during the 1970’s studied, part time, for the Diploma of Art, at Midland TAFE. Christine has a Diploma of Teaching, as well as a Bachelor of Theology Degree (Honours) (Murdoch). She is a member of the Council of Christians and Jews, and has taught Sunday School and coordinated Youth Groups, Liturgical Dance, and led Bible Study groups, and for several years, conducted a Christian Drama School, as well as the Church Playgroup. Christine has attended numerous Ignatian Retreats, completed an Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life, and worked as a Chaplain Intern at RPH. She enjoys Christian Meditation, as well as leading Day Retreats. Christine identifies as a mystic. She appreciates the Presence of God in all Creation, and loves worship, music, theatre, art and literature, gardening, bush walks, bird watching, and hospitality. She delights in praying the Lord’s Prayer every day at midday. By the Grace of God, she was introduced to the mystery and fell in love with the Christ Child born to be King, in UK, at the time of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Then at Sunday School in W.A. responded to the call to be a disciple, and “become a fisher of people”. She still has a passion to share the Christian story, and to be a Bearer and Sharer of Christ’s Love. All for the Glory of God.

Artist Statement

As Disciples of Christ, Children of the Kingdom of God, called to be in the world, but not of it, we are constantly challenged, to prioritize with God, to make choices, to discern and ask, What would Jesus do? The treasure we need to seek, The Treasures in Heaven, are here represented as the Fruit of the Spirit. We are baptised with water and as Disciples of Jesus, we may experience the Baptism of the promised Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Helper, Who will guide our hearts and minds and actions, in the way of righteousness, enabling us to experience what it is to live in the Kingdom of God, as we bear fruit. Therefore, we need to be constantly prayerful, and on guard. As Disciples of Christ we are to “Love God and Love your neighbour as yourself.” The instruction in the Sermon on the Mount, is presented as black and white, therefore, the medium I have chosen, is white acrylic paint on canvas; and black artist’s pen. The white also represents the Light of Christ. The Disciple, who is to Love God and Neighbour (as yourself) Is required to reflect the LOVE OF GOD. THE CIRCLES OF LOVE- The outer circle represents the Love of God which embraces us. The inner circle represents our Love of God, self, and one another. The Gold edged mirror, invites the viewer to DRAW NEAR, TO LOOK INTO THE MIRROR AND SEE THE REFLECTION, OF THE ONE WHOM WE NEED TO LOVE, WHO IS A REFLECTION OF GOD’S LOVE, AND IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, WILL BEAR FRUIT. It may be at times difficult for us to love ourselves, yet only in love may we be set free to be the people God calls us to be. Loved and Forgiven. In prayer, draw near and look into the mirror, and into your own eyes, and seek the light of God’s Love within yourself.

Lent 18. Sermon on the Mount 8. Worry

Matthew 6.25-34

NO WORRIES, acrylic

Lyn Grocott is the mother of 2 girls. Lyn has lived in Lesmurdie since 1976, working as an aged care worker for Baptlstcare before retirement about 3 years ago. Since then she have joined a number of community groups, one of them being The Kalamunda Art Group which meets at the St Barnabas hall on a Wednesday afternoon. A very friendly group of ladies & gentlemen ( about 14 ) in number on a good day.

Artist Statement

Our Heavenly Father knows that we need all these things, through the Kingdom of God all these things will be given to us. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing. Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they, and can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why worry about clothing, consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith - Therefore, do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat’ or 'What will we drink' or 'What will we wear’. For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things, and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you l need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. ”So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. . Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Lent 19. Sermon on the Mount 9. Judging

Matthew 7.1-5, 12

TABS, women's t-shirt, foam core board

John Ward is a priest and artist who has always been drawn to make things. He learnt to work with pastels after supporting the establishment of an annual community Art Exhibition in Heathridge. While at Kalamunda John has fostered community involvement in a number of sculptural projects, culminating in “The Hospitable Kingdom”, a 2m high illumination of the parable of the mustard seed.

Artist Statement

Jesus' call to deal with our own issues before daring to offer help to others is succinctly put when he tells us to remove the log from our own eys so we may clearly see the speck in our borther's or sister's eye. Images for this passage abound, and so comical is Jesus' hyperbole that after the first bite its hard to take them seriously. This simple work seeks to replace the hyperbole with the commonplace - a cloths tag ath shows above someone elses neckline. This is something we have all seen, and while not as embarassing as an open fly, or a wayward clergy collar insert, can still exert a strange fasination with its associated urge to tuck it in. If we give in to this urge we will most certainly have crossed personal boundaries with the other person. The other thing about have one's tag out is there is no way we can know its out. This is surely Jesus' point with the log in the eye, i.e. that self awareness is the precursed to helping anyone. In other words, be sure you are not meeting your own needs when you think your meeting someone elses. Perhaps not to have TABS on oneself!

Lent 20. Sermon on the Mount 10. Ask, seek, knock

Matthew 7.7-11

GOLD, watercolour, artline pen and gold leaf

Penny Baker lives near the beautiful Kalgan River in Albany, Western Australia. As a Fine Art graduate of Curtin University, she now delights in her garden, painting and raising a lovely family with her husband Nigel. Penny works in watercolour. Her work is inspired by the beauty of nature and her delight in it.

Artist Statement

This passage is not about accumulating “stuff”, God is not a vending machine. God is interested in our hearts and in having relationship with us. Our God delights in us, His Children, we are His. All He desires is to help us, to spend time with us and to give to us His love. My artwork is a testament to His faithfulness. There have been many times when I have asked for help, many times when I have searched for Him in very difficult times and He was always there and many times when I have knocked on His door and He has flung it wide open to embrace me. He is a good Dad and I am held by Him.

Lent 21. Sermon on the Mount 11. Narrow gate/fruits/ Self-deception

Matthew 7.13-23.

CRESTING, acrylic on paper

Tracey Jones lives in Gooseberry Hill with her family. When she isn’t working for the family business, she enjoys gardening and learning sculpture at the Kalamunda Learning Centre. In this painting of the parable in Matthew she used acrylic and collage.

Artist Statement

This painting depicts the parable from Matthew 7:13-14 about the narrow gate and narrow path that leads to life, though few can find it; and which is contrasted in the parable with the wide gate and wide path that is used by many but which leads to destruction. Matthew’s parable, though it contains a hard message to hear, always reminds me of Jesus’ other words, contained in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth and the light”. Indeed, Jesus’ early followers were not called Christians, but followers of The Way. And so I think when Jesus talks about the narrow gate and path that leads to life, he means himself. Which is why my picture shows a narrow path leading to the high mountains, and on that path, beckoning us, is Jesus himself pointing the Way as the sun begins to set. And when we find ourselves, preoccupied with and consumed by our first world problems and privileges, losing our way and heading down the wide beaten path, the way to find our way back to the narrow path and to an authentic life, is just to ask ourselves “where is Jesus, or, what would Jesus do in this situation?&

Lent 22. Sermon on the Mount 12. Hearers & Doers

Matthew 7.24-28

GROUNDLESS, altered photographic image

has been a member of St Barnabas for 14 years, and a volunteer with Vera’s Op Shop. The kids have grown up leaving Carolyn with more time to follow her passion for photography. Last year she joined the Gem Camera Club in Kalamunda and had much success. Her work exhibited at Spring in Hills Exhibition and was a finalist in many competitions including the West Australian Photographic Federation Print West competition. In her other life Carolyn is a post graduate educator teaching ethics and professionalism, and careers coach, specialising in IT careers.

Artist Statement

The artwork is inspired by these words in the passage: “a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” This is the parable of the wise and foolish builders. A man’s house is his castle, and hence the castle built on sand, fracturing and crumbling in the stormy skies. To me the passage means building one’s faith on solid foundation, to withstand the tempests that life threatens us with. And like with any building, faith requires not only a solid foundation, but regular maintenance. This is a merge of 2 images, the image of a castle lookout was taken on a dark day in Devon, and the sand was snapped in Margaret River. My art tools are a Pentax Camera and Adobe Photoshop.

Lent 23. Parables 13. The Sower

Matthew 13.1-9

GODSEED, watercolour on paper

Tess Milne is an Anglican priest who has a particular interest in Art and Spirituality. She is particularly interested to explore the ways that the process of making of art can lead the artist into a place of encounter with their sense of the Divine Mystery we name God. Tess runs art workshops which invite participants (mostly inexperienced artists) to engage their own interior experience of God in this process. Her current artistic work is mainly figurative, in the area of portraiture, land and seascapes in oils. ln her personal retreat time dream images and metaphorical images in pastel, pencil and watercolour feature in the processing of the interior journey.

Artist Statement

“Godseed", I believe, is that part of ourselves which came with us from God when God sent us into the world, breathed life into us, and whispered in our ears “Grow, grow. Grow into the fullness of who I have created you to be.” This to me then is the human journey - to grow to become the image and I likeness of God (Gn 1:26) As I allowed my image to emerge in response to the passage about the sower sowing the seeds in various soils I was reminded of Psalm 139 which speaks of our being "woven in the depths of the earth” and God’s knowledge and love of us being so wonderful and inescapable. So I drew that secret place where I am most truly myself, without all the ego constructs, the roles, the titles, the qualifications, in other words, my Godseed. This is the place I am most known by God and where I know myself most loved by God. And as I drew I recognised my own human journey of growing through the rocky places, the hard dry ground, the thorny and difficult parts of life. And sometimes the not growing through them, but knowing always the love of God holding me and loving me and still whispering “Grow, grow". So my drawing became a process of not just illustrating a text, but it became a place of encounter, encounter with my truest self, encounter with my longings to be all that God has created me to be and encounter with what have been or still are the most dlfflcult things wlthin myself that get in the way of all I can be. It enabled most of all a space to again experience the love of God.

Lent 24. Parables 14. Weeds among the wheat

Matthew 13.24-30

TOGETHER, acrylic on board

Ruth Bale trained at Ruskin Hall School of Art, Boumville, England, in the 1960s and her favourite artists then ranged from Sorolla, Mondrian, Bacon and Matisse. She later moved around Australia, Papua New Guinea, Canada and Europe for many years, and was unable to do any art. Ten years ago I took up painting again and have been experimenting with many styles of artwork. Recently Ruth has been experimenting with dazzling light in minimal art, and "protest" painting, and is still experimenting and endeavouring to go wherever the painting path leads her. Ruth is a member of Kalamunda Arts Group, which meets in the wonderful sunlit church hall at St Bamabas Church, Kalamunda, every Wednesday from noon to 4pm.

Artist Statement

The parable relates to the bad among the good in the world. It says we do not need to immediately weed out the bad but let them flourish with the good, and God will eventually deal with the matter. Another interpretation is: The wheat field is the world, the good seeds are the children of the good, and the weeds are the children of the evil. My painting depicts young children playing in a sunny wheat field before harvest time. All looks idyllic, except in the foreground there are many weeds flourishing among the wheat - dandelions, poppies and rye grass - and also other pests.

Lent 25. Parables 15. Mustard seed/Yeast

Matthew 13.31-33

LOVE, acrylic, coloured pencil

Allen was born on Vivaldi’s birthday in Plymouth, Devonshire. His early education was at six Primary Schools and three State High Schools. (Allen's mother was peripatetic). His Tertiary education was spent (or misspent) at Edinburgh, Melbourne, Cape Town and Adelaide universities (He was peripatetic too). Highlights of a chequered career:- Seeing Geoff Duke win the Isle of Man Senior TT. Place (in 1948) on a British Manx Norton Hearing on the radio, at a Coronation Street Party for children in Plymouth, that an apiarist and a Sherpa conquered Everest (1953) Seeing Glenda Jackson and Diana Fligg on the London Theatre stage (196O’s) The smell of eucalyptus and carolling of Magpies (April 1963). My first morning in Australia at Trinity College, Melbourne. Dining with Christian Barnard in Cape Town (1970) Poetry readings of Les Murray, Newcastle, NSW (1989) Art classes at Balga, Carine and Midland TAFE: Wonderful students and staff: Magic (80’s and 90’s) PRESENT: Enjoying the brotherhood of St Barnabas Church and ART GROUP therein. Causeries in Kalamunda cafes, laughing at Dean Alston, worried about Willie and Modesty Blaise, whilst daily doing crosswords badly.

Artist Statement

This parable illustrates how large desires, wishes or goals start from small, insignificant, beginnings. To make a long journey first take one step as the Chinese proverb says. The triumvirate of Faith, Hope and Charity (Love) of St. Paul’s love poem (1 Corinthians 13) is an essential element of the New Testament. Christ’s two commandments in the New Testament vouch for love. However, it needs nurturing, attention and deliberate action. The seed, the beginning is sown and the inexorable thrust for life, existence, will commence. An added bonus; this development gives the birds of the air shelter. For human beings, love’s universality is shown by poetry, music (classical and pop) and compassionate acts of the will. Faith without action is dead (St. James): Love without empathy and compassion, likewise. Love is in the air. Yes, all we need is love.

Lent 26. Parables 16. Three Parables/Treasures old and new

Matthew 13.44-50

CAUGHT BY GRACE, watercolour

Melanie Hobbs is a thirty-two-year-old high school English teacher who always wanted to paint. Four years ago, she attended some workshops and soon developed a watercolour addiction. She tries to do some painting every day, mostly simple florals. Melanie has never participated in an exhibition before. She is married to Scott and they have one daughter, Lavinia, who is fourteen months old. The family live in Boya. Melanie has been attending St. Cuthberts in Darlington for two years. She was thrilled to be involved in this project. It has inspired her to explore more spiritual themes in her art.

Artist Statement

This passage contains four parables: the treasure in the field, the pearl of great price, the sorting of the fish and the scribe of the kingdom. As soon as I read it, I could not get the image of a pile of fish out of my head. It seemed a grim image - the fish are waiting to be sorted by angels who will either deem them riteous or evil, with the evil ones being thrown into a furnace of fire with weeping and gnashing of teeth! Why couldn’t I paint a hand holding the pearl of great price? That would have been lovely. Well, beside the fact that I cannot draw hands to save my life, I think this was what I was supposed to contribute after all. It’s God’s church, isn’t it? Does it look familiar? The many fish of different colours, shapes and sizes symbolise the power of the gospel to bring together all sorts of people. Yes, the furnace of fire is terrifying, but isn’t the pile of fish beautiful? It is a symbol of hope and the church’s potential for outreach. In the parable, the sorting of good from evil is not something the fish control and the criteria for the sorting is not revealed. We are encouraged to reflect on what makes a person good and to strive for goodness. But we are not to attempt any 'sorting' ourselves.

Lent 27. Parables 17. Lost Sheep

Matthew 18.10-14

WANTED, pencil

Rebecca Cook is the daughter of Hilary Cook who produced this work with Hilary as her muse. Hilary says she owes a debt of gratitude to Rebecca, who ran with the idea of doing a drawing for her,after Hilary had succumbed to the seduction of functioning outside the the art space she normally live in. Rebecca doesn't want to add to it.

Artist Statement

Contextualising this passage finds it in Matthew's account of Jesus where he is pointing out what it takes to get into the kingdom of heaven; where he calls a child into the group of adults and praises the humility of children. In a society which essentially despised children as weak and dismiss-able and in past times, sacrifice-able, Jesus sets children front and centre as an example of how we should be.This echoes Jesus' words to Nicodemus who came by night to Jesus to learn that he must be born again - to see differently. The little ones - the anawim - are not to be despised, and great effort is to be made with one's own preparedness of self to avoid any sort of injury to them. And great woe to the one who destroys that innocence. This work depicts the sheep who are left unattended - those who seemingly are able to fend for themselves; safe enough to leave alone to support each other. While the one who has stopped listening to G-D and gone astray, manages to find themself gated and locked away - yet is pursued by G-D. I was intrigued by Bec's 'wanted' poster - but that is how G-D thinks of us - we are wanted to be part of the kingdom community with all our individual uniqueness. And we do from time to time gate ourselves up in our own world of 'i wants'. Countless of our forebears tell how when lost they were pursued by G-D and being found were placed on G-D's shoulders for the journey home - here depicted as sun's rays. And for each one of the lost returned, the fatted calf is proffered, the cloak of being a child of G-D is thrown around our shoulders and the ring put on our finger. And we come home to our self. O taste and see how gracious the Lord is.

Lent 28. Parables 18. Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18.23-35

AS YOU HAVE BEEN, oils on board

Fran Jones painted for many years with Lois Paris' art group in Maida Vale and specialise in portraits, minimal landscapes and animal art. Fran loves to use oil paint because of its flow and flexibility, and likes to let the painting have a life of its own. A lot of her work is whimsical. Fran is a member of the Kalamunda Arts Group which meets every Wednesday in St Bamabas Church Hall.

Artist Statement

My interpretation of the passage is it is a parable about forgiveness, as follows: A king ordered his servant, who could not pay his debts, to be sold along with his wife, children and possessions. The servant fell to his knees and begged "Have patience with me and l will pay you everything“. The king had pity and mercy and forgave the servant his debts. Later the servant seized a fellow servant by the throat and demanded he pay him his debts. The fellow servant pleaded "Have patience with me and I will pay you". However the servant did not have mercy and threw him into prison until the debts were paid. Fellow servants reported what had happened to the king who had forgiven the servant his debts. The king summoned the servant and said "l forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. You should have had mercy on your fellow slave as l had mercy on you?" and he had him tortured until he paid his original debt." Thus the parable is about forgiveness - forgiving others as you have been forgiven yourself.

Lent 29. Parables 19. Laborers in the Vinyard

Matthew 21.1-16

VALUED, embroidery on lines

Anne Williams has been a maker all her life across a wide range of art and craft activities. She took part in the establishment of Waldorf/Steiner education in WA and developed the craft curriculum. Since retiring from teaching she has taught in adult education, community workshops for adults and children and extended her own art practice. Recent focus has been on hand stitching, participating in group exhibitions and 2 solo exhibitions, in 2016, and a 7 week residency and exhibition in 2019 at Midland Junction Arts Centre.

Artist Statement

Matthew Ch.20 is “book-ended” by requests to Christ Jesus to guarantee rewards in Heaven for what some of his followers see as their “wages” for following Him. I wrestled with many questions when developing the artwork. Is the value of each individual in the eyes of God to be calculated according to the logic of the physical/material world? Do we have the right to question how God, the one who is generous, works with others, especially when we have been offered and accepted a fair deal? Those who waited all day in the marketplace needed patience and hope that they could support themselves and their families by being called upon when needed and paid “what is right”. The artwork is based on a pie chart format frequently used in economic life to illustrate things that can be weighed and measured: the division of resources, finances, products and labour. Twelve concentric circles stand for the working hours of the day and the periods of employment are indicated by varying background colours. Each receives the same pay, (red dots), no matter when they were taken on. The circular form can also be read as a mandala, a traditional meditative form, with the mystical number 12: the 12 Thrones of Heaven (Matthew 19.28), the 12 hours between sunrise and sunset in the ancient world, the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 days of Christmas and many more. The parallel lines can be seen as the rows of vines in the vineyard, a symbol of fruitfulness.

Lent 30. Parables 20. Two Sons

Matthew 21.28-32

WELCOME, stained glass

Bev Morris and her family moved from NSW to Perth in January 1979. She enrolled at the Kalamunda Community Learning Centre, and did a Stained Glass class. In 1988 Bev joined the community project to create the Stained Glass window in the Kalamunda Library. When that was completed, some of the participants formed The Kalamunda Stained Glass Group. The group has been meeting each week since then, working on personal and group projects. There are still three original members. Bev is also a member of the Lesmurdie Arts and Crafts Group.

Artist Statement

The Chief Priests and Elders were questioning Jesus' authority, and Jesus tells them this parable: A father asked his first son to work in the vineyard. The son refused, but later changed his mind and obeyed his father. Jesus Iikens this son to the Tax Collectors and Prostitutes ......... the outcasts of Jewish society. They had listened to the message of John the Baptist, accepted "the way of righteousness" and had repented. The second son was also asked by his father to work in the vineyard. He said he would ........ but he didn't. This part of the parable represents the Chief Priests and Elders who are the leaders of Israel, and are not doing the will of God. They are arrogant, and are creating a false image. They have failed to do God‘s will, and are unrepentant. Jesus tells them that the Tax Collectors and the Prostitutes will be accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven ahead of the Chief Priests and Pharisees. Jesus conveyed this message with a parable .......... a form of symbolism. I have also decided to use a form of symbolism to tell the story of this parable. I have used coloured glass to represent the people and place. The white Iridescent glass at the top represents Jesus. Gold glass ................... Tax Collectors Red glass .................... Prostitutes Purple glass ................ Father Green glass ................. Vineyards Aqua glass .................. Two Sons Black glass ................. Chief Priests and Pharisees I have used squares and rectangles to create this Art Challenge.

Lent 31. Parables 21. The Wicked tenants

Matthew 21.33-44

DENIAL, Watercolour

Emily Bowser is a wife, mother and artist, she is currently studying theology at Murdoch University. She has been drawing and painting since she was old enough to hold and pencil. Emily works in watercolour, gouache, egg tempera, acrylic, and mixed media. She finds inspiration in scripture and nature and these subjects often permeate her artwork.

Artist Statement

As I reflected on the passage, I found myself thinking of a set reading I encountered during the Christian Doctrine unit in the Wollaston Certificate in Theology. The chapter by R. Jenson discusses the crucifixion and makes reference to this parable. Jenson says "we don't want to share in the Son 's relation to the father, we don 't want there to be a father.” The wicked tenants actively choose to reject the orders of the landowner, instead of trying to greedily lay claim to the vineyard for themselves. The landowner first sends his slaves, and they are beaten, killed and stoned. Still, the wicked tenants ignore their responsibilities. Finally, the landowner sends his own son, who is killed in hopes of laying claim to his inheritance. As I started to create this painting. It was a conscious choice to omit any human figures from this painting as there is a risk of depicting the wicked tenants as the other. Instead, it occurs to me that we should place ourselves in the shoes of the wicked tenants, testing where we might be rebelling. This should prompt us to consider how we are actively denying our personal responsibility to bear fruit and to allow God to more fully shape our lives. In our current world, one of these responsibilities includes a need to care for the good creation we have been entrusted with.

Lent 32, Parables 22. The Wedding Banquet

Matthew 22.1-14

CHOSEN, styrofoam, crepe paper and modelling clay

Hi, I’m Lloyd Raycraft. I’m 11 years old and I’m the crucifer at my church. I am very interested in science, mostly technology. I am home-schooled with my teacher being my mom. My faith in God relies in the fact that without Him, scientifically speaking, the universe can’t exist. I enjoyed the journey of creating this piece of art for the St. Barnabas Church.

Artist Statement

I was assigned the parable of the wedding feast for my Lent 2020 art project. In this parable, a king sent servants to give out invitations for his son’s wedding feast. No one came. He got so angry that he burned down the villages of those people. Then he told his servants to invite anyone who would accept. However, at the banquet the king noticed one man not wearing a wedding robe and he had that man kicked out. The final verse of the passage is Matthew 22.14 ‘Many are called, but few are chosen.’ This line is the inspiration for my art work. I started by thinking about whether I would do a drawing or painting. In the end, I did a sculpture. The sculpture is made of Styrofoam, cardboard, crepe’ paper and modelling clay. It is a table set with a large platter of food and many plates. Only one plate has food on it to represent the few that are chosen. The empty plates represent all that were called but were not found worthy. The colour scheme is gold and purple; both known as rich and royal colours. The Bible often uses a metaphor for Heaven which is a set table waiting for the faithful. My work represents the set table in Heaven (and at the wedding feast) that is set for the few faithful to whom Jesus was referring in the parable.

Lent 33. Parables 23. The Ten Bridesmaids

Matthew 25.1-13

THE WISE (A) / THE FOOLISH(B), watercolour and ink

Rachael Kelly is a Perth-based artist working in traditional and digital drawing and painting mediums. She also designs and makes her own amigurumi crochet patterns and critters and enjoys dabbling in sculpting. She has previously studied visual arts at university and runs her own online hobby shop on Etsy called RachaelKels Art.

Artist Statement

This two-piece work illustrates this parable from Matthew from two different viewpoints. We have the foolish bridesmaids at the market place in the first painting as they try to buy oil for their lamps and make it back in time to join the bridegroom. They are worried and regret not preparing themselves for this situation sooner as the wise bridesmaids had done. In the distance we see they are already too late as the wise bridesmaids are already meeting with the bridegroom. In the second painting, the viewpoint changes to the top of a hill where the wise bridesmaids are meeting the bridegroom. Having taken the time to prepare themselves for the bridegroom’s coming, the fruits of their labour are now showing and they are able to join him at the weeding banquet. In the distance the foolish bridesmaids are beginning their return, but they are too late. It always struck me as strange that although we are called into a ministry of love, the wise bridesmaids would not share their oil with the foolish ones. After wondering about this for some time, I attended a devotional session on this parable and learnt the reasoning behind it; this was an act of preparation and self-care. While we are called into a ministry of love, we also need to take care of and love ourselves so that we are prepared for when Jesus returns. If the wise bridesmaids had shared their oil, both the wise and the foolish would not have been able to join the bridegroom at the weeding banquet as their lamp oil would have burnt out before they met with him. We have a duty to minister to His sheep, but we must also take care of ourselves through our own private prayer time, rest and devotion so that we don’t falter and burn out in our service to God. We must “keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

Lent 34. Parables 24. The Talents

Matthew 25.14-30

GOD'S TALENT, acrylic on canvas board

Shona Jean Kozma is an artist and architectural designer and Graduated from the school of Architecture, University of Johannesburg in 1992. Shona worked in the construction industry, specialised in building services and project management, and retired from full time work in October 2012 due to MS. She currently working part time in architecture and marketing/sales. Shona lives in Kalamunda, since January 2008, with loving husband of 26 years and young adult son and daughte and has attended art classes at the Kalamunda Community Learning Centre since 2013. Shona attends Our Lady of Lourdes Lesmurdie Parish.

Artist Statement

God has given us many talents and we are expected to be generous and share our talents. Every person has different talents, just like every person is uniquely made by God. Every person is valuable to God. This plays on the talent of biblical times being a high value item. In monetary terms the talent of the biblical times was very heavy, approximately 32.3kg. It was a weight; coming from the Latin, talentum, or Greek, talanton, meaning scale, balance, sum. The talent originated from the Babylonian talent of 30.2kg and was revised by the Romans and adopted in Ancient Israel. Trading talents have been made of different materials of value over time. When we share our talents with others, we receive too. It is in giving that you receive. In my research for a reference to paint, I came across Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska’s, first vision. The Vilnius divine mercy painting by Polish artist, Eugeniusz Kazimirowski is what inspired my painting. The vision shows Jesus in a white garment with his left hand resting on his breast and a red and a bright white beaming down from the place he is touching, near his heart. I have adapted this image. Below the painting it is inscribed: JESUS IN YOU I TRUST To me, the red light symbolises the blood of Jesus Christ and the bright white light, the purity of washing away our sins so that we can live a new life. God has shown us much mercy and has given us Jesus, his treasured son. Through Jesus dying for our sins God has shown us his mercy and how valued we are to him. So that despite our sin, with Christ we will have eternal life. The bright light shows a bright life to be lived. But if we do not use our talents correctly, it is hard for God to show us his Mercy. In today’s times, and at this time of Lent and time of giving, we should use our talents to help or give to others personally or financially as a way of sharing our talents.

Lent 35. Holy Week 1. The plot to Kill Jesus

Matthew 26.1-5, 14-16

THE PRICE,

Since his lirst solo exhibition in 1987. Stephen has pursued parallel careers in fine art and graphic design and his work in both disciplines has received Since his lirst solo exhibition in 1987. Stephen has pursued parallel careers in fine art and graphic design and his work in both disciplines has received numerous awards. Castledine has participated in many group shows and his work is represented in private and corporate collections in Australia and overseas.

Artist Statement

THE PLOT T0 KILL JESUS The great challenge with this passage is to bring a fresh approach to the theme. The phrase 'Thirty pieces of silver' and the character 'Judas' have become synonymous with betrayal even outside the Christian tradition. My solution makes

Lent 36. Holy Week 2. The Passover with the Disciples

Matthew 26.20-30

ULTIMO COLECTIO (Final gathering), acrylic on canvas

Maureen Ashton has had a passion for art since her school days, but as with many people, life and family prevented her from pursuing her interest for many years. In 2015 she joined the Kalamunda Community Learning Centre and in the past four years has studied drawing and watercolour. In 2019 she also joined the history class. Her favourite topics to paint are 'people and places' and watercolour and pastels her favourite mediums.

Artist Statement

As I thought of the last supper, I felt a connection to the story that is significant for us today. With the many catastrophic events aifecting our world, I wondered how many of us will face our own 'last supper' in the times ahead, and I've endeavoured to express those thoughts through my painting. Jesus and the twelve apostles are seated at the table, their enclosure lit by oil lamps, depicting what appears to be a safe and comfortable place. Judas sits opposite Jesus, head bowed in shame, aware that his pursuit of wealth has outweighed his values of niendship and loyalty, to the point where he has betrayed one of those closest to him for personal gain. In the surrounding features we see darker aspects. The ground at their feet is parched and cracked. Outside of their cavernous retreat the mountain behind is burning intensely, and all life there has been destroyed. The wolf is at the door. We know the terrible fate that was to follow for Jesus after this gathering. I invite the viewer to think of this as more than a painting ofa biblical story. If Jesus represents mankind in today's world, who does Judas represent? Could the disciples have done something differently to avoid such a tragic outcome?

Lent 37. Holy Week 3. Jesus Prays in Gesthemane

Matthew 26.36-46

WHY?, acrylic on paper

Jan Yates has been an artist all her life having undertaken correspondence courses, TAFE and adult education courses, finishing up with a Diploma in Fine Art. In addition, Jan has belonged to many art groups and participated in many exhibitions and is currently a member of Ellenbrook Arts. Acrylics are her preferred medium but over the years she has worked in water colour, oils, pastels and ink. Jan’s usual subject matter is landscapes, but she has also produced seascapes and some portraiture.

Artist Statement

I read this passage in the knowledge that Peter was to later deny Jesus three times, and as I was painting this picture a sense of sadness settled upon me. The utter despair that Jesus experienced is tangible. For my portrayal I tried to put myself in Jesus’ place, so to speak. He didn’t want to face the tortuous death that awaited him, no right-minded person would want that, yet he knew that he had to. Knowing that there is something much bigger at play here he throws himself down. I have tried to pick up this sense of foreboding in the colours, the roughness of the gnarled trunks of the old Olive Trees, Jesus’ unkempt hair and his fingers raking, almost clawing, the ground. His love has been rejected, treated with disinterest. Knowing that those closest to him still don’t really understand you can almost hear his asking “why”.

Holy Week 38. The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

Matthew 26.47-56

THE KISS, acrylic

As a country boy born in Quairading, John discovered his artistic talent early, at school he became known as the class “artist”. John embraced his talent and continued to pain throughout his life. In recent years with more time and a deep yearning within he has focused his attention on steadily building a body of work. John says of himself “being an artist is who I am, it comes from very deep inside”, this drive to paint has been fed by a constant flow of inspiration. Not content to stay with one subject or style Johns work moves from traditional to surreal and back again. Each crafted work comes with its own insights and commentary on life. And he is always pushing his creativity to its limits with new ideas and techniques. Johns medium of choice is acrylics; the quickly drying paint allows him to apply the brush while inspiration flows. He uses dark backgrounds as his base because he likes the way it adds depth and impact - “I love to bring subjects to life from the dark”.

Artist Statement

Lent 39. Holy Week 4. Jesus Brought to Pilate

Matthew 27.1-2, 11-14, 19-20, 24 & 26

SURRENDER, acrylic on paper

Tony Van Litsenborgh was born in South African and migrated to Australia as a family in 2011. Tony is married to Jeanine for 27 years with three children. He completed a degree in Industrial Design with over 27 years experience in product design, development and manufacturing of safety critical products. Tony is a creator and artist of the instagram account @23lostandfound

Artist Statement

The painting shows Jesus's praying hands over us, offering us forgiveness, our hands open receiving him and worshiping him. Hands reaching out. This painting shows Pilot reaching out, surrendering to God's plan and acknowledging that he needs redemption and forgiveness for his actions. Hands reaching out in need, empty, requiring filling, praying hands reach back, filling the the emptiness, like Michael Angelo's painting "creation", with God and Adam reaching out, this signifies the new creation where God reached out again to humanity to give a new life. The painting shows Jesus's praying hands over us, offering us forgiveness, our hands open, receiving Him and worshipping. The hands overflowing represents how Jesus fills us, we over flow and fill those around us.

Lent 40.Holy Week 4. The Crucifixion of Jesus

Matthew 27.27, 31-35, 45, 50-52

LAST BREATH, inkjet printed on silk

Mavis Paskulich was born in Nottingham England in the mid 1940’s moving to Perth Australia in 1969. For the last 20 years she has lived within the Kalamunda shire. On retirement she became involved with the Kalamunda Learning Centre, both as a participant (silk painting) and tutor (art group).

Artist Statement

Exploration and experimentation describe my approach. I paint with watercolours, paint on silk, create with fibres and textiles and paint digitally . I began with roughly sketching a few ideas completing a first draft on silk but soon realized I was not getting close enough to the subject. I was taking too broad a view and distancing myself, trying to take in ALL the moments during that first Good Friday. The idea of depicting a close up of Christ’s head – really “up close and personal” felt very challenging. So I took a photograph of a - head thrown back, open-mouthed and looking upward, just so that I could begin with a realistic lifelike angle of a head. The image was progressively manipulated using computer software and tapping into my emotional responses as the image developed. A dark landscape, darkened skies, stormy skies – maybe lightening illuminated His profile … Eventually this process led to my being confronted by the exact moment when Christ “breathed His last… that moment...&rdquo

Lent 41. Holy Week 5. The Burial of Jesus

Matthew 27.57-61

CROWNED, acrylic on black paper

Cornelia Hawkins was born in south London and recalls her early childhood spent sleeping in an indoor air-raid shelter. She would sometimes run home from school after a heavy bombing day to see if she still had a home to go to. Fortunately she did, albeit knocked about quite a bit. Such was life growing up in WWII. Cornelia emigrated to Perth with her husband and two children in 1973, and none of them has ever had a moment's regret. In 1986 Cornelia realised her life-long dream to begin Art College, completing my course in Art and Design, majoring in drawing. She has had some success exhibiting across Perth and beyond over the years, winning a few awards, and many pieces finding new homes abroad.

Artist Statement

When one thinks about the story of Jesus’s demise, images of destruction of the body are conjured but Matthew 27:57-61 is more tender, almost peaceful in its depiction of Joseph’s care and of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary’s grief. I was compelled to look beyond the scene of the sepulchre and explore emotion and symbolism as part of the Lent Squared Art Challenge. The word reflection suggests to me meditating on what has gone before the passage. How did what was witnessed impact those witnessing it? While outside the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary must have their minds full of the vision of Christ on the cross with his cruel crown of thorns. Was the crown of thorns usually part of the punishment of crucifixion? One can’t imagine what the people close to him suffered watching such a barbaric death so the figures presented are still, but very much present in their grief. Given I have focused on the reality of emotion and grief with the women, I wanted to lend some sort of reality to what the scene would have been like. I was surprised at all the different plants and wildlife which are abundant in the Middle East and I settled on including a typical palm tree and a kingfisher bird, which has such beautiful plumage. Regarding the imagery beyond the environment, I was very focussed on the crown of thorns from the beginning of this challenge and I wanted it to be an integral part of the work. The first lines I drew were the broken circle lines and faced with such a confined square to work within, drawing some circular lines opens up the space. It felt inevitable that the broken circle would end up as the broken crown of thorns.

Easter 1. The Resurrection of Jesus

Matthew 28.1-10

RECONSTRUCTION, fabric

Liz Seymour ls an artist and passionate upcycler, her underlying philosophy is to create products and source materials as ethically as she can. Finding and repurposing preloved fabrics and other materials with natural dyes and deconstruction techniques, allowing them to influence her work to portray the message with mindful stitching. She is a stitch and textile enthusiast and an artist intraining with a degree in Fine Arts in the making

Artist Statement

As the artist, in this instance I wished to present the resurrection as l see it. Easter Monday is all about the cross, the empty cross, for Jesus has gone. He has been raised from the dead and gone ahead to Galilee. As the sun rose early on the moming that Jesus was pronounced gone the morning sun’s rays shone into the tomb where both Marys’ stood with the Angel of God looking at the place where Jesus had so recently Iain. The cross is empty, for he has gone. The early morning sky is lit with the rays of the sun light emphasising the emptiness of the tomb and the emptiness of the cross. The myriad of tiny stars, each one in the shape of a tiny cross light the sky and give ground for mindfulness as each stitch is sewn. As with the soothing repetition of rosary beads, so the soothing repetition of the stars around the crucifix give space for meditation and mindfulness of the message of Easter and life and rebirth. The simplicity of the piece allows you to focus on the cross and the rebirth of Jesus. The indigo blue negative space gives you room for quiet and contemplation; for you to be able to go deep within yourself and seek the answers. “Do not be afraid, go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me." I see the reconstruction of my cloth in the same light as I see the resurrection of Jesus. “Resurrection with scars is God's way of visible mending" says Rev. Laura Everett and that we who stitch and repair work in God's way.

Easter 2. The Commissioning of the Disciples

Matthew 28.16-20

Doubted, Pen and coloured pencil

Jenny Harrapeet has had a love and appreciation of Art since early childhood . She studied Art and Design and Art History. Jenny sees design and creation in our beautiful Kalamunda hills and gardens. Over the past few years Jenny has enjoyed working with John Ward's art and sculpture projects at our Church

Artist Statement

Jesus directed the 11 remaining disciples to go to the mountain of Galilee. These mountains are gently rolling hills perhaps like Helena Valley hills. They saw him and worshipped him. Some doubted. How many Doubted? In John 20 Thomas was the doubter. Renaissance paintings and stained glass windows show some separation of the men. I chose seven with some four doubters. In Mark 16 Jesus scalded them because they had no faith and were too stubbom. Did Doubt mean hesitation, disbelief, uncertainty amazement. Jesus commissioned them to go to all Nations. Maps of the ancient world were limited. How far could they travel? They could go North, South, East and West. Obey every command and I am with you always to the end of the Age. Is our end near? Man has asked this many times in history just as now with wars, global warming, violence, nuclear threat and power hungry rulers. Do we all face our own end? Do we Doubt?