Psalm 19

ARTIST STATEMENT:


Bre Downer





The Process:


I really wanted to paint the skies that I’ve worshiped under so
many times, and a specific moment came to me immediately. I
remember watching the sun descend and was in awe of the magnitude
of the cumulus clouds. Their colors all mixed almost like a
liquid, the golds and oranges....they completely overwhelmed me
with a deep sense of awe. As the sun set, the warmth of the
colors reminded me of God’s nearness, and the deep purples and
blues reminded me of his power. This awe is something I wanted to
capture.





The use of gold leaf was two fold. I wanted the painting to play
with illumination and light. Gold is naturally reflective and
brightens the tones around it. Thus allowing for a contrast that
I find visually rewarding. It also allows for personal reflection
on the words of the Psalmists regarding the commandments of the
Lord. I feel painting with oil over gold leaf allows God’s
creation to showcase its beauty and gives us a moment to pause
and reflect upon the work of the Lord's hands. How worthy is he
to be praised?





The Vision


In this Psalm of David we learn of different ways the Lord
declares himself to his creation and the invitations and warnings
he gives us to receive his grace. The first invitation is to look
up to the heavens (vs 1-6). They are constantly pouring forth
speech and proclaiming his splendor and also his nearness! Accept
the invitation to see the salvation of our God.





The second invitation is to look down into God’s word (vs. 7-11)
and be humbled all the same. The declaration of God’s glory is
across every page. It illuminates hearts the way the sun
illuminates the sky, enlightening the eye and soul. As Martin
Luther so beautifully stated when talking about Psalm 19, “My
conscience has become captive to the word.” It is not enough to
just stand in awe of the heavens, we must then accept the
invitation the Psalmist gives, and take the warning and gift
graciously given to submit to the creator of heaven and earth.





How kind is God to allow his creation to proclaim his grace and
also his word to shout with even greater clarity the grace we
have through Christ? Both sing the same song. Both sing his
praises. Both declare the steadfast love of the bridegroom in
greater revelation. Just like the sun rises and sets with
endurance, so Christ, our bridegroom, mercifully reveals his
warmth and love to seeking souls. I pray we receive this
invitation and warning. Look inward (vs. 12-14), repent, allow
the Lord to cleanse you of sins you see and also sins you are
unaware of, then receive the blood of Jesus over your life, which
covers a multitude of sins.





ARTIST STATEMENT:


Tami Bolte





The Heavens are evidence of God's existence and Power, His Love
and care. God reveals Himself through nature to man, which He
also omnipotently created. How can one look up at the stars, the
moon and the galaxies and not be humbled at the sheer majesty of
our Creator? His vast knowledge and creativity leave you
speechless yet so thankful for showing us a glimpse of ALL Yahweh
is, The splendor of His glory. It's hard to fathom that our Lord
created the Heavens above, and gives each of us and our senses,
such delight, without saying a word! Yet, NO ONE is exempt from
enjoying and drawing closer to knowing and believing in God
personally! It is this high view of God, the moon, stars, the
skies, that was significant in my own journey to knowing Him
personally.





God used glow of a full moon to draw my heart to Him as a
17-year-old at a summer church camp. I wasn't a Christian but was
drawn to God's people, something I had not desired before. Three
weeks earlier, I had been stood up for my junior prom and was
told "I was not WORTH talking” by my boyfriend. All I heard
was... YOU ARE NOT WORTH MUCH.





Now, three weeks later, I came to camp with my best friend, and
let her wear my new Senior class ring I had just saved and
bought. She lost it during camp. But instead of being angry, I
felt peace I couldn't explain! Campfire had ended on the last
night of camp, and I heard of God's love for ME! John 3:16 was
shared and my heart understood that Jesus died for ME, my sins.
As I walked down the hill, in the bright blue moonlight, I
noticed a sparkle SO bright in the tall grass. I reached down to
see it and it was my Senior ring!!In my heart I heard, "My Love
for you is SO MUCH MORE THAN A RING! Follow Me!”





God valued my life! He had drawn me to this moment and valued me!
By looking up into that sky, He drew my heart into realizing, the
Creator of the Universe had been waiting for me to see a high
view of Him and the piece of me I had been searching for that
only HE could fill! My life has never been the same.





Without saying a word, HE said SO much about His love, grace and
mercy to me that I don't deserve. His word truly IS more precious
than gold! I chose to paint the vast starry sky with an eclipse
of the moon. His light shining through the darkness—-just as it
had changed my dark heart with HIS light and mercy. Huntsville
has experienced the display of his glory lately in so many
amazing ways: The Northern lights, solar and lunar eclipses and
the brilliant views of the stars, I wanted them all to be
displayed. My painting incorporates acrylics and gold leaf and it
you look closely... you can see His Name written in the stars.





I am humbled and eternally grateful for this opportunity. Look
up! Be still! and listen for His whisper! O LORD, how majestic is
Your Name in all the earth!