Erin O'Malley
Artist’s Statement
'A Hiding Place' started its life in the underground cities of Cappadoccia. I visited these underground caves many years ago and they have remained so vividly alive in my imagination. Empty interlocking rooms with inbuilt tables & shelves, winding passage ways opening into large cavernous rooms. Rooms for worship with aged peeling religious frescos and carved crosses.
These were places of refuge in times of persecution, They sustained and hid whole cities of people throughout the centuries.
Where do we hide in this modern age? What will protect and sustain us in times of trouble?
This body of work would like to suggest God is that place. These paintings invite you into his world of hope, love, renewal, peace and rest.
Biography
My painting always begins in text. I like to begin a body of work with a group of words, a poem, a piece of prose. Through the use of colour, texture and the layering of paint, I hope to capture some of the beauty of these words and the ideas they express. There is always a fine balance between the chance and directed control of my mark making. I trust wholly in this process. For me, there is joy in the method.
These two works titled 'like burnished gold' & 'a worthy offering' are part of an idea about celebrating the difficult journeys we have to navigate at different times in our lives.
Malachi 3:3 - He will sit as a refiner of precious metal, burning away the dross, He will purify his people and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have a people who bring offerings in righteousness.
I am learning to find joy in this refining process. To trust in my Gods faithfulness and love.
I like writing with paint. Painted stories that I hope tell a tale of the beauty in the world that surrounds us.
Showing all 10 artworks
