Peach Fuzz & Fire “Peach Fuzz & Fire”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Peach Fuzz & Fire” Listen to “Peach Fuzz & Fire” here. How did it get this title? I love peaches and their fuzzy squish. The edges of each of these squareish scrapes are not sharp–they have a gentle fuzz. The lift-off of paint is minor and creates just an edge of blue, like the spherical, though fuzzed edge of a peach. And, the colors are similar to peaches I’ve enjoyed eating. Oh–and, especially the top right square looks like flames to me! Something I love about this painting…is that it has orange and peach and dusty mauve colors. They weren’t colors, at the time of painting this piece, that I usually chose to include. But, when someone viewed an exhibit of mine, they shared an observation: Molly, you don’t really paint with orange, do you? I hadn’t realized! So, I started to introduce warmer colors and this is such a fun result! I also experimented by off-setting the scrapes: I love the experience of how the negative space changes. “Peach Fuzz & Fire”A Poem By: Molly Ovendengushing juicesof fruits in season,tapping toes giddyin queues eternal–that sweetness,so worth it,a delicious reason! oh, to eat them:these long-awaitedpeaches, drippingtastebud joy.encircled by friends,sharing slurps,laughing storiesaround a starry-skiedcrackling summer fireeveryone praysshan’t ever end… Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Peach Fuzz & Fire.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for fire to be rekindled? Or extinguished? Abba, Father, thank You for loving me as I spend time seeking You now.
Sunshine & Sherbet “Sunshine & Sherbet”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Sunshine & Sherbet” Listen to “Sunshine & Sherbet” here. How did it get this title? It looks like a glorious summer day with high up, wispy clouds in the all blue and then there’s this bright spot of yellow joy the color of both a sugary lemon sherbet and of sunshine. Something I love about this painting…that while I tend to go for a warm yellow, this one is much cooler–and, I love the effect. And when I take a moment to really look at this painting, I love how many different combinations of blues and yellows there are without fully making green. “Sunshine & Sherbet”A Poem By: Molly OvendenTrampoline imaginings–free!Those summer daysWay before I reached my teens. Bouncing to fly–high!Those summer dreamsWay before youth washed away. June till August scheming–please!Those summer ice creams,Long walks on the beach,Hiking trails through leafy trees,Swimming with lake fishOr, salty creatures from the sea. Tender dancing–glee!Those summer firefly nightsWay before autumn beckons–it’s sunshine and sherbetMemories to create for me. Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Sunshine & Sherbet.” What do you notice about the perspective created in this piece? God, where in my life might You want me to find a new balance? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life? Holy Spirit, thank You for guiding me in this time of prayer and contemplation.
Yellow, you get me. “Yellow, you get me.” Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Yellow, you get me.” Listen to “Yellow, You Get Me.” here.https://youtu.be/FgITydzss0w How did it get this title? Yellow is joyful, triumphant, light, and fun. I want to be joyful, triumphant, light, and fun! So, I feel like yellow understands who I am and who I hope to be. I hope that it could be an encouragement to others who see this painting. Something I love about this painting…is the fact that it is yellow. Because I love yellow! I always say that all of the colors are my favorite, but I think that yellow might actually be my favorite. It’s so happy! “Yellow, You Get Me.”A Poem By: Molly OvendenIn a worldWhere Lonely curlsCosy in at home,FeigningAcceptance whenWe all feel alone–In a worldWhere risking honestWords aloud screamsRetreatingObscurity whenWe all feel misunderstood– It’s a smile.It’s a nod.It’s a “hello”Each todayThat dulls inStreaks of grey…It’s a welcome homeGreeting, of gratitudeAnd joyous relief:“Yellow, you get me!” Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Yellow, You Get Me!” Which square are you drawn to? Are you drawn to more than one because of how they connect? Because of something else? God, what might You want to say to me about this collection of shapes? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer.
Ephemeral Iridescence “Ephemeral Iridescence”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Ephemeral Iridescence” Listen to “Ephemeral Iridescence” here.https://youtu.be/YgO861O5JtE How did it get this title? According to lexicom/com Ephemeral, is defined as “lasting for a short time…(chiefly of plants) having a short life cycle” and iridescence, defined as “Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.” Noticing beauty in nature is really important to me; sometimes it is fleeting, but the beauty in nature is always a gift from God. Something I love about this painting is…the pastel shades and the way that each of these four squares in this “Scraping” create the white, negative space of the white canvas paper, creating a cross that’s slightly at a jaunty angle. “Ephemeral Iridescence”A Poem By: Molly Ovenden trying to catcha leprechaunleft a trail:golden glitterthrough each hallthen gone trying to recalla dreamleft a whisperstrange memorythrough the mindthen gone trying to holda hopeleft a yearning:yet unansweredthrough caverns of griefthen gone trying to kindlea friendshipleft a sweetness:imprinted the soulthrough lifetimes of love–a season ephemeral, fleeting though valued–a grace iridescent,glimmering through raised palms Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Ephemeral Iridescence.” Which part are you drawn to most: The vertical or horizontal space between squares? Or, the space where the paint is? God, why might this particular detail stand out to me today? What do you notice about your emotional reaction to these shades of colors? God, what might You want to say to me about these colors? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection.
When Evening Comes “When Evening Comes”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“When Evening Comes” Listen to “When Evening Comes” here. How did it get this title? In Yorkshire, the latitude is further north than in Minnesota, so the angle of light is different. As an island, Great Britain is surrounded by unique cloud cover. This also alters the quality of light as it dissipates. The rapeseed fields of most delightful yellow thrill my eyes–especially at the low light of sunset. That is the moment I see captured in this piece. Something I love about this painting…EVERYTHING! THe yellow is exactly the yellow of my favourite fields. There’s an indigo-purple-blue situation in the top ⅔ of six scrapes of squares. I love the “sloppiness” of the twilight and how light and shadow interact with the progression of day into night. “When Evening Comes”A Poem By: Molly OvendenWhen evening comes…Today’s fun must pause:Resetting.Returning.Putting it all away. When evening comes…Night’s fears may threaten:Swallowing.Isolating.Mocking insecurities stay. When evening comes…Resting Beauty winks indoors:Basking.Mesmerising.Standing in awe, awake. When Evening comes…This moment’s choice to follow:Seeking Truth.Pursuing Life.Holding Hope for Day when it’s Night,Or choosing lesser that leaves one hollow– When evening comes…May there be pondering peaceAnd intentions of gratitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “When Evening Comes.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for connection with someone in a relationship that has gone dark into the evening?
Turquoise Sunshine “Turquoise Sunshine”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Turquoise Sunshine” Listen to “Turquoise Sunshine” here. How did it get this title? Haha–isn’t it obvious? Just kidding! This angle of scrapes lends itself to suggesting movement–but, a very slight and gentle movement. It’s this same kind of impression I feel on a cool, summer day with sunshine streaming through the shade of some old tree–the light changes–and so do the colors and leaves. Something I love about this painting…is the gentle movement. I really love it. I love the puffs of white that subtly make them selves known, like clouds on a blue sky canvas of summer sunshine. I also like how clean it feels. And although the yellow use here is mainly like lemonade, I love the little blip of egg yolk in the upper left edge of the piece. “Turquoise Sunshine”A Poem By: Molly OvendenSun cream smeared,–check!Beach lounger secured,–check!Snazziest sunglasses donned,–check! Eyes closed in sunshine,Imagination dreaming peace,Deep breaths inhaled–a pause…Cleansing breaths released. Sun hat? Shading perfection,Cool breeze? Gentle direction,Camera ready? Indeed!With views sans obstruction. A moment by the waterCould be turquoise by the sea,Or simply: an afternoon Near my neighborhood pond.–just sunshine–And, you and me! Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Turquoise Sunshine.” What do you notice about the angle of this piece? God, where in my life might You want to show me a different perspective? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life?
Aha! Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Aha!” Listen to “Aha!” here. How did it get this title? Once I’d held up the matt to “find” the painting, I had a physical reaction, like a gasp–like an, “Aha!” moment of joy and discovery. It’s called what it did to me and for me. Something I love about this painting…is how many colors are used without being muddy. I love the deep blue at the bottom next to the turquoise. I love the metallic shimmer throughout. I love the warmth of peace. I love how the white actually participates within each square–not just as a backdrop. I love how it still makes me gasp with joyful realization long after I created it. “Aha!”A Poem By: Molly OvendenI’ve been waitingI’ve been wishingI’ve been exploringI want that momentTo come in surpriseTo shock me aliveTo ignite my soul–without any warning! I’ve been prayingThrough cloudy nightsI’ve been pleadingThrough foggy daysI’ve been waitingIn Hope until morning “Aha!” When my eyes brimFrom tears as BeautyIn sunrise blazing peachy-blueAnd I praiseIn a gasp of solitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Aha!” Which square are you drawn to? What do you notice about how the colors mix together? God, what might You want to say to me about this mixture of colors? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer.
Breakers “Original. Acrylic. Matted. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Breakers” Listen to “Breakers” here. Something I love about this painting is…the way the negative white space holds the wave droplets of blue from the bottom right square scrape. This is one of my “Scrapings” and one of the things I love about this process of painting is how unpredictable it is. It’s always a practice of freedom from control and perfectionism. This favorite part of mine is there only because I let go of control. I love the squelch of acrylic paint and how it squishes and then when I lift off my scraper, there’s some cool pattern left over. The meaning behind the title is…my parents and I went to an RV marina resort in central Minnesota when I was about 10-13 years old. It was called “Breakers.” I learned to fish out there on Lake Mille Lacs and I loved staying in our Airstream trailer and doing stuff by the water. Breakers are the waves that break against the land. You can see the whitecaps (which is partly played out in the white negative space of this piece) of the breakers and it just reminds me of happy summers with my mom. “Breakers”A Poem By: Molly OvendenRiding edges of water smooth glass mirrorsseagulls flitter disturbingcalm into waves walleye leap munching,surface ‘squitos hover,perch feast bubbling,humid mayflies dance,northern pike fighting,slimy leeches slithercalm into waves foamy white rippleseagles rest observingactive waters cascade sapphires ebb to wakeloons laugh beckoningcalm into wavesinto crashing breakers’ spray Riding edges of water Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Breakers.” Which part are you drawn to most: The straight, clean edge of the top squares? Or, the uneven edge of the bottom squares? God, why might this stand out to me today? How do you respond to this collection of blues? God, what might You want to say to me about this color? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection.
What is Visio Divina? Vision Divina: What is it? It’s generally defined as a type of “sacred seeing” or an encountering of the divine that occurs during prayer. It originated in ancient contemplative Christianity as a way to connect with God to visual art, a sacred image, or by meditating through looking at something. It’s a simple, but potentially challengingly slow practice. You might choose to keep your notebook by your side so you can journal your experience, or you may decide that you’d like to journal about it as you reflect later on. It’s your choice. This definition is part of an exhibition created and curated by Molly Ovenden, called “Contemplative Springs of Hope.” Click here to visit the online gallery experience. Step One:Choose a piece of art which you would like to contemplate. Especially if this is your first time trying Visio Divina, I recommend simply choosing a piece of art or photograph you have already hanging on your wall. Perhaps you have a stained glass window. What you choose isn’t the most important aspect, so allow yourself some grace to simply decide on something. Once you have your image (which may even be from Pinterest!), let yourself get comfortable to sit in a space where you can be quiet for a few minutes. Take a deep breath, roll your neck and shoulders, place your feet on the floor if you can, and maybe even close your eyes. Maybe you pray to welcome the divine or something like, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Step Two:Open your eyes and allow yourself to take in the whole picture, painting, sculpture, window, photograph, etc. Allow yourself the gift of curiosity and begin to notice the shapes, the colors, and the way the light shows up. Begin to take note of the details in the background, the middle ground, and the front of the art, the foreground. Once you have visually meandered across the whole piece of art, you might want to note what has drawn your attention or peaked your interest. Just like in Lectio Divina, often this noticing what stands out can be God highlighting something special for you to receive in this moment. You could write this observation in your journal. Step Three:You may want to take another deep breath, make sure your feet are still on the floor grounding you, and now, focus on the bit that was highlighted for you and holds your attention. You can begin to hold any or all of these questions or similar curious imaginings. How might God speaking to you? Why do you think God brought your attention to this particular spot? Might there be a message that was created within the painting or artwork that relates especially to your life today? Where might there be an invitation? Are you aware of a certain calling from God? Is a specific long-lost or very present memory brought to mind? Allow these thoughts and questions and wonderings move from your mind to your heart. What emotions are you aware of? What do you feel in your body as these thoughts come to heart? Where in your body do you feel a response? What words could you use to describe anything stirring as you hold and notice this feeling? Take a moment to allow God’s words or presence to communicate with you in those deep places of your being. Step Four: Whether you were aware of much of an interaction with God, allow a time of gratitude to come to the surface. Often God has been speaking to us when we don’t realize. But today, as you as you took time to contemplate this artwork, it’s likely that something happened in you.In this moment now you can take a moment to respond to the divine encounter with God. Perhaps this is when you’d like to record something in your journal. Allow your words to originate from the depths of your soul where this experience occurred. What is your response? What is your prayer? What yearnings or desires are you present to? What emotions have been whirring that you could give voice to on your page? Step Five: Especially at time like this of deep spiritual encounter with the Creator, words don’t quite give us what we want to say, so don’t worry if you haven’t written anything in your journal–or, that you haven’t written anything eloquent. Invite your soul to linger in silence and solitude to simply commune and be in the presence of God. God who made you. God whose love for you is immeasureable. God who is with you and for you and will never leave you. Relax into the stillness. Allow yourself to be soothed by God’s loving presence. … When you are ready, come back to the present and the here. You may want to take a deep cleansing breath and invite some gentle movement in your body. Take a moment to share a prayer of gratitude for what God did in this time, and for yourself–taking the time. Jot a last few thoughts in your journal, if you’d like. … Yay! You’ve done it. Visio Divina really creates a practice of preparing our hearts and souls and minds to connect in a meaningful, intimate way with the Creator God. This practice of viewing on image or piece of artwork can transfer into your life, too. You may begin to view your life through a sacred lens that reveals God’s messages for you hidden within creation, not just artwork. Eventually, all of life will feel like and become a sacred space and holy ground.
Contemplative Springs of Hope An interactive journaling, contemplative prayer, poetry, and artwork exhibition: created and curated by Molly Ovenden.Molly Ovenden is a prolific typewriter poet, visual artist, creative mentor, who loves sharing journaling prompts in order to get closer to God as a spiritual practice. Welcome to “Contemplative Springs of Hope.”Thank you so much for being here! I’m so delighted to get to share Beauty and Hope, through art, poetry, and contemplative reflections, with you from wherever you are around the world. Breakers, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Aha!, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Turquoise Sunshine, an original painting by Molly Ovenden When Evening Comes, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Ephemeral Iridescence, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Yellow, You Get Me, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Sunshine & Sherbet, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Peach Fuzz & Fire, an original painting by Molly Ovenden Featured Artwork “Breakers” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Aha” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Turquoise Sunshine” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“When Evening Comes” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Ephemeral Iridescence” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Yellow, You Get Me” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Sunshine & Sherbet” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here.“Peach Fuzz & Fire” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. (Note: You can watch the above 25 seconds of quick, time lapsed walkthrough to get a glimpse of the feel of the exhibition here.) With prayerful joy, Molly shares “Contemplative Springs of Hope” as an offering of creativity and Beauty–as an arrow of Hope that point to Jesus. No matter your faith background, she hopes that you take a moment to pause and reflect on the paintings and the poems. Perhaps you will become aware of something sacred in your life. Maybe you will notice a fresh experience of Holy Spirit presence and guidance. You might even feel a well of Hope bubbling up as a living spring as you contemplate what’s before you in this gallery. Visio Divina is an Ignatian spiritual practice of finding God and the sacred in art and in nature by contemplating on the visual. It’s a practice of invitation to slow down, to really look and look again, and to notice what you see, visually as well as in your being–emotionally, as memories or thoughts well up. No matter what you experience, how engaged you are here, or what you get out of the art, poetry, and prompts, Molly hopes you will feel full of Hope when you leave this space. (Note: You may choose to experience the gallery exhibition in a slower pace than the time lapsed video earlier. You can watch and pause this video here with the chatter and bustle of Sunday morning gathering and giddiness.) What is VISIO DIVINA? Click here to find out more of how to engage. When we look at Art, often within one to two seconds we’ve decided, “I don’t get it. I love it. I don’t like it. That’s cool. I like it. I hate it. I don’t understand art.” And whatever declaration we make about the piece, we simply move on without much thought. In school we tend to experience and learn about Art (if we learn about Art, at all) in its parts and pieces: elements and principles. We learn to label color, line, texture, pattern, balance, contrast, and we practice treating Art like we do in Biology while dissecting frogs. Here are all of the pieces taken apart…but, what do we do with them? How do we put them back together? What am I meant to do? How do I create and notice beauty with all of…this mess? Art may be a source of discouragement or hurt for you. You are invited. “Artist” may be a title you courageously call yourself. You are invited. Poetry may be a mystery that baffles and distances you. You are invited. “Writer” may be a title you comfortably use to identify yourself. You are invited. Maybe you used to love art or words, but an important person in your life–a parent, a teacher, a close friend–laughed at you, said your words were crap, or that being creative and expressing emotions was a waste of time…or, even just plain wrong. Maybe you know Art is Beauty and you co-create with the Creator of the universe. You’ve studied it, been published, shared your creative work regularly–received positive responses from your collectors and readers…and you’ve found that Art is part of who you are. But, what if you responded “Yes” to this invitation to search for the sacred and connect with Our Heavenly Father through Art and Beauty in Nature? What if you began to see Beauty as an Arrow of Hope, pointing to Jesus? What if you paused for a couple of breaths to notice God in Art? Visio Divina is a contemplative prayer practice from Ignatian Spirituality which invites the viewer of art to ponder and dwell with a piece of art for a bit longer than normal. It’s an invitation to notice and experience the sacred, the divine, to see our Creator God in the art. And, it’s an invitation to wait on Holy Spirit to reveal something fresh to us through Beauty–in Art, in Nature. “Breakers”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Breakers” “Breakers” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. Something I love about this painting is…the way the negative white space holds the wave droplets of blue from the bottom right square scrape. This is one of my “Scrapings” and one of the things I love about this process of painting is how unpredictable it is. It’s always a practice of freedom from control and perfectionism. This favorite part of mine is there only because I let go of control. I love the squelch of acrylic paint and how it squishes and then when I lift off my scraper, there’s some cool pattern left over. The meaning behind the title is…my parents and I went to an RV marina resort in central Minnesota when I was about 10-13 years old. It was called “Breakers.” I learned to fish out there on Lake Mille Lacs and I loved staying in our Airstream trailer and doing stuff by the water. Breakers are the waves that break against the land. You can see the whitecaps (which is partly played out in the white negative space of this piece) of the breakers and it just reminds me of happy summers with my mom. “Breakers”A Poem By: Molly OvendenRiding edges of water smooth glass mirrorsseagulls flitter disturbingcalm into waves walleye leap munching,surface ‘squitos hover,perch feast bubbling,humid mayflies dance,northern pike fighting,slimy leeches slithercalm into waves foamy white rippleseagles rest observingactive waters cascade sapphires ebb to wakeloons laugh beckoningcalm into wavesinto crashing breakers’ spray Riding edges of water Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Breakers.” Which part are you drawn to most: The straight, clean edge of the top squares? Or, the uneven edge of the bottom squares? God, why might this stand out to me today? How do you respond to this collection of blues? God, what might You want to say to me about this color? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection. “Aha!”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Aha!” “Aha” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? Once I’d held up the matt to “find” the painting, I had a physical reaction, like a gasp–like an, “Aha!” moment of joy and discovery. It’s called what it did to me and for me. Something I love about this painting…is how many colors are used without being muddy. I love the deep blue at the bottom next to the turquoise. I love the metallic shimmer throughout. I love the warmth of peace. I love how the white actually participates within each square–not just as a backdrop. I love how it still makes me gasp with joyful realization long after I created it. “Aha!”A Poem By: Molly OvendenI’ve been waitingI’ve been wishingI’ve been exploringI want that momentTo come in surpriseTo shock me aliveTo ignite my soul–without any warning! I’ve been prayingThrough cloudy nightsI’ve been pleadingThrough foggy daysI’ve been waitingIn Hope until morning “Aha!” When my eyes brimFrom tears as BeautyIn sunrise blazing peachy-blueAnd I praiseIn a gasp of solitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Aha!” Which square are you drawn to? What do you notice about how the colors mix together? God, what might You want to say to me about this mixture of colors? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer. “Turquoise Sunshine”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Turquoise Sunshine” “Turquoise Sunshine” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? Haha–isn’t it obvious? Just kidding! This angle of scrapes lends itself to suggesting movement–but, a very slight and gentle movement. It’s this same kind of impression I feel on a cool, summer day with sunshine streaming through the shade of some old tree–the light changes–and so do the colors and leaves. Something I love about this painting…is the gentle movement. I really love it. I love the puffs of white that subtly make them selves known, like clouds on a blue sky canvas of summer sunshine. I also like how clean it feels. And although the yellow use here is mainly like lemonade, I love the little blip of egg yolk in the upper left edge of the piece. “Turquoise Sunshine”A Poem By: Molly OvendenSun cream smeared,–check!Beach lounger secured,–check!Snazziest sunglasses donned,–check! Eyes closed in sunshine,Imagination dreaming peace,Deep breaths inhaled–a pause…Cleansing breaths released. Sun hat? Shading perfection,Cool breeze? Gentle direction,Camera ready? Indeed!With views sans obstruction. A moment by the waterCould be turquoise by the sea,Or simply: an afternoon Near my neighborhood pond.–just sunshine–And, you and me! Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Turquoise Sunshine.” What do you notice about the angle of this piece? God, where in my life might You want to show me a different perspective? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life? Holy Spirit, thank You for guiding me in this time of prayer and contemplation. “When Evening Comes”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“When Evening Comes” “When Evening Comes” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? In Yorkshire, the latitude is further north than in Minnesota, so the angle of light is different. As an island, Great Britain is surrounded by unique cloud cover. This also alters the quality of light as it dissipates. The rapeseed fields of most delightful yellow thrill my eyes–especially at the low light of sunset. That is the moment I see captured in this piece. Something I love about this painting…EVERYTHING! THe yellow is exactly the yellow of my favourite fields. There’s an indigo-purple-blue situation in the top ⅔ of six scrapes of squares. I love the “sloppiness” of the twilight and how light and shadow interact with the progression of day into night. “When Evening Comes”A Poem By: Molly OvendenWhen evening comes…Today’s fun must pause:Resetting.Returning.Putting it all away. When evening comes…Night’s fears may threaten:Swallowing.Isolating.Mocking insecurities stay. When evening comes…Resting Beauty winks indoors:Basking.Mesmerising.Standing in awe, awake. When Evening comes…This moment’s choice to follow:Seeking Truth.Pursuing Life.Holding Hope for Day when it’s Night,Or choosing lesser that leaves one hollow– When evening comes…May there be pondering peaceAnd intentions of gratitude. Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “When Evening Comes.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for connection with someone in a relationship that has gone dark into the evening? Abba, Father, thank You for loving me as I spend time seeking You now. “Ephemeral Iridescence”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 10 x 10 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Ephemeral Iridescence” “Ephemeral Iridescence” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? According to lexicom/com Ephemeral, is defined as “lasting for a short time…(chiefly of plants) having a short life cycle” and iridescence, defined as “Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.” Noticing beauty in nature is really important to me; sometimes it is fleeting, but the beauty in nature is always a gift from God. Something I love about this painting is…the pastel shades and the way that each of these four squares in this “Scraping” create the white, negative space of the white canvas paper, creating a cross that’s slightly at a jaunty angle. “Ephemeral Iridescence”A Poem By: Molly Ovenden trying to catcha leprechaunleft a trail:golden glitterthrough each hallthen gone trying to recalla dreamleft a whisperstrange memorythrough the mindthen gone trying to holda hopeleft a yearning:yet unansweredthrough caverns of griefthen gone trying to kindlea friendshipleft a sweetness:imprinted the soulthrough lifetimes of love–a season ephemeral, fleeting though valued–a grace iridescent,glimmering through raised palms Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Ephemeral Iridescence.” Which part are you drawn to most: The vertical or horizontal space between squares? Or, the space where the paint is? God, why might this particular detail stand out to me today? What do you notice about your emotional reaction to these shades of colors? God, what might You want to say to me about these colors? Thank You, God, for being with me in this moment of reflection. “Yellow, you get me.”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 9 x 11 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Yellow, you get me.” “Yellow, You Get Me” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? Yellow is joyful, triumphant, light, and fun. I want to be joyful, triumphant, light, and fun! So, I feel like yellow understands who I am and who I hope to be. I hope that it could be an encouragement to others who see this painting. Something I love about this painting…is the fact that it is yellow. Because I love yellow! I always say that all of the colors are my favorite, but I think that yellow might actually be my favorite. It’s so happy! “Yellow, You Get Me.”A Poem By: Molly OvendenIn a worldWhere Lonely curlsCosy in at home,FeigningAcceptance whenWe all feel alone–In a worldWhere risking honestWords aloud screamsRetreatingObscurity whenWe all feel misunderstood– It’s a smile.It’s a nod.It’s a “hello”Each todayThat dulls inStreaks of grey…It’s a welcome homeGreeting, of gratitudeAnd joyous relief:“Yellow, you get me!” Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Yellow, You Get Me!” Which square are you drawn to? Are you drawn to more than one because of how they connect? Because of something else? God, what might You want to say to me about this collection of shapes? How does your response to the negative space (where paint isn’t) differ from your response to the positive space (where paint is)? God, what might You want to show me through my response? Jesus, thank You for being with me in this moment of prayer. “Sunshine & Sherbet”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Sunshine & Sherbet” “Sunshine & Sherbet” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? It looks like a glorious summer day with high up, wispy clouds in the all blue and then there’s this bright spot of yellow joy the color of both a sugary lemon sherbet and of sunshine. Something I love about this painting…that while I tend to go for a warm yellow, this one is much cooler–and, I love the effect. And when I take a moment to really look at this painting, I love how many different combinations of blues and yellows there are without fully making green. “Sunshine & Sherbet”A Poem By: Molly OvendenTrampoline imaginings–free!Those summer daysWay before I reached my teens. Bouncing to fly–high!Those summer dreamsWay before youth washed away. June till August scheming–please!Those summer ice creams,Long walks on the beach,Hiking trails through leafy trees,Swimming with lake fishOr, salty creatures from the sea. Tender dancing–glee!Those summer firefly nightsWay before autumn beckons–it’s sunshine and sherbetMemories to create for me. Try this: Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths. Then, open your eyes and pause for another couple breaths as you look at this painting called, “Sunshine & Sherbet.” What do you notice about the perspective created in this piece? God, where in my life might You want me to find a new balance? Consider the title or the poem alongside this painting: Can you see the poem happening in the painting? What other stories do you see happening in the painting? God, what might You want to show me about the stories I tell myself about my life? Holy Spirit, thank You for guiding me in this time of prayer and contemplation. “Peach Fuzz & Fire”Original. Acrylic. Matted & Framed. 11 x 9 inches Become a Collector:Click Here to Purchase“Peach Fuzz & Fire” “Peach Fuzz & Fire” a painting and poem with spiritual reflection – Listen here & watch here. How did it get this title? I love peaches and their fuzzy squish. The edges of each of these squareish scrapes are not sharp–they have a gentle fuzz. The lift-off of paint is minor and creates just an edge of blue, like the spherical, though fuzzed edge of a peach. And, the colors are similar to peaches I’ve enjoyed eating. Oh–and, especially the top right square looks like flames to me! Something I love about this painting…is that it has orange and peach and dusty mauve colors. They weren’t colors, at the time of painting this piece, that I usually chose to include. But, when someone viewed an exhibit of mine, they shared an observation: Molly, you don’t really paint with orange, do you? I hadn’t realized! So, I started to introduce warmer colors and this is such a fun result! I also experimented by off-setting the scrapes: I love the experience of how the negative space changes. “Peach Fuzz & Fire”A Poem By: Molly Ovendengushing juicesof fruits in season,tapping toes giddyin queues eternal–that sweetness,so worth it,a delicious reason! oh, to eat them:these long-awaitedpeaches, drippingtastebud joy.encircled by friends,sharing slurps,laughing storiesaround a starry-skiedcrackling summer fireeveryone praysshan’t ever end… Try this: Take a couple of slow breaths to become present in this moment and invite Holy Spirit to come while you observe this painting, “Peach Fuzz & Fire.” What do you notice about the textures the paint makes in this piece? God, why am I drawn most to this particular type of texture? Consider the descriptions alongside the piece–what the artist loves and where the title comes from: How does connecting with the artist through her words create meaning as you experience this painting? God, where might I be longing for fire to be rekindled? Or extinguished? Abba, Father, thank You for loving me as I spend time seeking You now. Thank you! I am so grateful that you have taken time to look, listen, contemplate, sit with, reflect on, read this exhibition, “Contemplative Springs of Hope.” And my prayer is that you’d find a moment of Beauty that is an arrow of Hope for you.