Prayer Art
I never considered myself an artist. Drawing things that looked like things was not a thing I could do. But then I discovered Zentangle®, and drawing things that looked like things was not a requirement. Zentangle unleashed the artist within me in ways I never knew was possible. The pastor in me wondered what would happen if Zentangle art was combined with worship and prayer, and WA LA! Prayer Art Retreats were born! Each month, I lead Prayer Art Retreats at Von Dell Gallery & Studios in Wood River -- generally on the third Thursday at 6 p.m. (but check the calendar because sometimes that changes) -- where worship unfolds, art is created in response to prayer and scripture, and Communion is shared. The result is a visual sermon and a stronger sense of community among people who are allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them in ways they never imagined. I dream of sharing this practice with people around the country because even if you’ve done Zentangle before, every time you encounter scripture, what you create is different and meaningful. Prayer Art Retreats are also a great team-building exercise for families, friend groups, and congregations. You can schedule a Prayer Art Retreat in a civic center, a church fellowship hall, or around your dining room table by contacting A Place of Grace Pastor and Certified Zentangle Teacher, Julie Gvillo at 618-410-5060.
Artful Expressions of Grief is a six-part series engaging multiple practices, with an emphasis on art, to work through the grief of loss. The first piece you see above is my own grief work started after my mom passed unexpectedly three days before her 75th birthday in November of 2022. Again ... I don't draw things that look like things, but in the random string, I saw a profile I couldn't ignore. My mom used to doodle profiles. Inspired by the last photo taken of her at my niece's wedding in Georgia just two weeks prior, I played with the profile as an homage. Here is that photo of Mom with Dad:
Mom also loved angels, so when I saw an angel in the random string as well, I had to highlight it. While Zentangle is non-representational, every tangle in this piece represents something about my mom that brings a memory. I can help you work through your grief as well, whether it's the loss of a loved one or the loss of a dream or a job or a home or a pet or any other loss that is significant for you, through creative spiritual practices. Contact Julie for information on the next Artful Expressions of Grief series.
