Words of Refuge: The Story Behind My Feather Art

"Refuge" - mixed media

It all started in 2016 with a mini canvas, a page from an old Bible, and left over paint on a palette.  Almost eight years later what started with a mixed media painting turned into a series of paintings inspired by Psalm 91:4 “...Under His wings you will find refuge….”  
​
When I was creating a mini work of art titled Refuge in 2016, I decided to use a new “to me” medium, Liquitex Acrylic ink. I wanted to use the ink for a feather element in a painting.  With the medium being new, I poured out way too much on my palette.  I had already painted one feather, so I decided to use the rest of the acrylic ink for another feather.  This feather would be a little different.

---

Thinking about the verse - “...Under His wings you will find refuge…,” I wanted to focus on the things I, myself,  would need to take refuge from. I say myself, but  I am not unique to these things.  Most of the time, those things are the lies from the devil.  Within the feather, I interlaced words of encouragement and reminders of who God says I am.  ​

2016 "Beneath"

Fast forward to 2023, I was preparing for Zoweh’s The Deepening Weekend, a weekend away where women explore how we are made to flourish in the kingdom of God, the things that come against us, and restoration.  I couldn’t help but think of the 2016 “Beneath” feather and how it would be a wonderful reminder and keepsake.  
The feather paintings I made in 2023 were very similar to the original except I added collage papers to the feather.  While creating each feather, I listened for just the right words to add to each feather.

"Beneath" feather series

Over the last few months, I started back creating feathers. These new feather paintings are representational in style and are on a deckled edge paper that looks beautiful in a floater frame.  The medium hasn’t changed and each feather is still interlaced with different words or phrases.  There is one word, however, that I include on every feather painting and that word is “refuge.”  I include “refuge” to serve as a reminder of whom to take refuge in when under attack. ​

"Beneath" feather series on Deckled edge paper

If you are interested in a “Beneath” feather painting, framed originals are available in special collections as well as fine art prints of the feathers created for The Deepening Weekend.  Also, there is a current giveaway (US addresses only) for one of the “Beneath” fine art prints.  The winner gets to choose from the available stock in the studio.  All Subscribers, old and new, are entered into the giveaway.  If you want in and if you want to stay in the know, please subscribe to the newsletter.  The drawing for the print is Friday, June 7, 2024.  Make sure to subscribe before 8 PM.  Good Luck!