All
the images I use in my work are gifts from God. He is extravagant,
and gives me hundreds of them. They reveal to me His perfect
love for me as I journey down my spiritual path. Most of
my images are life giving and I began to realize that when
my life was most chaotic God gave to me the most peaceful
images. Images that healed my feminine soul.
I feel called in my artwork to glorify God in a simple,
direct and personal way. Most of my work is contemporary
in style. My work seems to me to be connected to, and a
continuation of the work of Artists who have preceded me
in history. This, I believe, is due to the fact that the
images reflect never changing eternal truths of God’s
love for His creation.
There are several symbols that appear often in my work that
may need my interpretation, but the viewer, I hope, will
find his own. The upside down heart is the image of God’s
heart, open and pouring out. The image of two angels show
God’s constant protection and grace as well as a need
for community. I am often seen as a wee babe or child in
Christ, which I truly am in reality. The circular and egg
shapes seem to say rebirth, safety, and wholeness. The words
I receive are also part of the art work (titles). They are
given to me during my meditations and prayers.
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The
symbols that are given to me speak to the heart in a spiritual
language. The head, or intellect, may follow. On any given
theme I may receive ten to fifty images. Some of the themes
I have developed into art pieces or series of art pieces are
Rebirth, Inner Healing, The Trinity, The Eucharist, The Rosary,
Prayer, The Cross, The Virgin Mary, The Feminine Soul, and
Reconciliation.
Most
recently I am working on the theme of Community of all races.
The cross has become a major part of my work. I have designed
Stations of the Cross and have a ministry and business making
crosses and triptychs. Also, God has called me to be a Jail
Minister. I am able to use my art in this ministry to the
women in jail and prison. My imagery has become a powerful
bridge showing the Protestant world the many windows and doors
to the Sacred available through the Catholic faith.
If
I were to describe my work in totality including all my journals
to finished art pieces, I would give it the title, “A
Love Affair with God.” Amen
Melanie
G. Twelves
2975 W. Bois D'Arc
Duncan, Oklahoma 73533
(580) 255-6965
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