Salt of the Earth
June 2008
I sketched an image that had been in my mind for some time and decided
to make it into an art work. When I'd finished it I called it Blessing but wasn't happy with this title. I wondered if I should have the tree
standing by a river rather than a sea. I asked God what I should call
it. Did it have a special meaning or significance?
The following day was Sunday and part of the message shared at Church was about being the salt of the earth. "Yes, that's the name for it," I thought. My image was about being the salt of the earth, being fruitful.
Light and darkness are needed on earth to see the form of things with our natural eyes. I made the frothy salty part of the wave without the water, to be on the page that contained the words of a blessing taken from the Apostle Paul's written words. When the sun shines it creates a shadow that makes some of the words visible on the paper, like the Son shining in/on us manifesting His word.
“pray ... so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God”
God speaks through images as well as words, spoken and written. The image reminded me of God's word to me to "publish His acts around the world." Written words can also be like salt that makes people thirsty. These words are on paper from the tree and Paul's blessing comes from Christ the 'stump' and the tree of life, which cannot be fully seen.
"And a rod has come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots is fruitful" Isaiah 11:1
This art work was exhibited and sold as a limited edition print at the 2009 Government House Open Day art exhibition in Canberra. To date only one print has been made.
This art can be bought as a greeting card.