Passion: pictures, poems and prayers

Jesus dies on the cross

The sun is eclipsed, early nightfall,

darkness covers the surface of the deep,

the Spirit grieves over the waters.

On the formless, empty earth, God is dead.

Through the death of all we hold most dear, may we find life. Amen.

Jonathan Evens and Henry Shelton have published a second set of images and meditations on the Passion narrative. 

Their first set entitled Mark of the Cross (available in booklet, presentation, and individual images formats) has proved a popular download from the 12baskets site for user contributed worship resources.

This second set comes initially as a double-sided A3 sheet with all the images, haiku-like meditations and prayers laid out in sequence for ease of devotional use. 

These pictures, poems and prayers enable us to follow Jesus on his journey to the cross reflecting both on the significance and the pain of that journey as we do so.

Henry and Jonathan have aimed in these reflections to pare down the images and words to their emotional and theological core. The mark making and imagery is minimal but, they hope, in a way that makes maximum impact.

Each sheet costs £3.50, plus £1.20 p&p per purchase. To purchase copies, send a cheque made out to commission4mission to Rev. J. Evens, St John's Seven Kings, St Johns Road, Ilford, Essex IG2 7BB or email to jonathan.evens@btinternet.com for more information. 

Member's update: Harvey Bradley

Harvey Bradley is exhibiting "striking designs of containers and bowls" in the latest Anglian Potters exhibition at the Reunion Gallery in Felixstowe. "It is the Group’s (and many of the artists) first foray into Felixstowe and seventeen potters were ‘on fire’ to show their works in this exhibition. It is Reunion Gallery’s first all ceramic exhibition and the works have transformed the gallery space into a pottery heaven!" The exhibition runs until 20^th October 2012, Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tokarska Gallery update

The Tokarska Gallery is seeking entries for a Group Show at the Gallery during 14 - 24 February 2013.

In 2008, the world reached an invisible but momentous milestone: For the first time in history, more than half its human population were living in urban areas. It is estimated that the next few decades will see an unprecedented scale of urban growth. Living in the city is a fact of modern life. From the rich architectural and cultural heritage, vibrant demographics to long commutes and large crowds, life living and working in a city takes on different dimensions.

Cities influence their residents in many ways. Some see them as ever-changing complex urban systems, yet some see them as captivating fragments of our existence. This show will give artists the opportunity to express themselves creatively through their interpretation of the given theme. For more details visit the gallery website: http://tokarskagallery.co.uk/citiesalldimensions.


The new exhibition at the Gallery, which opens today, is of paintings by the Polish artist, Maciej Hoffman.   Janusz Golik has said of this artist's work: “What is striking in Maciej Hoffman’s paintings is particularly their pugnacity. It is the courage in the way he operates with the color, material and texture. This pugnacity is valuable as it is courageous. There is the directness. There is not a moment of reflection about whether it is right or wrong. There is a human impulse. The painting speaks for itself. That is the force that convinces us, the viewers, that the artist knows what he is doing. His paintings are‘intercepted’ by the viewers. I observe it in the gallery. This pugnacity, this impetuousness, this revolt is like a conquest of man. There is no manipulation, calculation or smuggling of anything. This is how I see it.”

The Gallery is also currently running a juried open art competition leading to an exhibition for children and young people. Called 'Drawing the Culture' details can be found by clicking here.

Big Draw event and c4m exhibition

The next commission4mission events will be held as part of the Woodford Festival and the Arts Festival for the Barking Episcopal Area:

The Big Draw – Saturday 6th October, 12.00 noon – 5.00pm, St Mary’s Woodford, 207 High Road, South Woodford, London E18 2PA
Drawing workshop with hints and tips from commission4mission artists.

Art exhibition - Saturday 13th October, 10.00am - 7.30pm, The Atrium, All Saints Woodford Wells, Inmans Row, Woodford Green, IG8 0NH
No admission charge. Exhibition of art works by members of commission4mission, an arts organisation which aims to encourage churches to commission contemporary art. Includes the 'Run with the Fire' Olympic-themed digital art exhibition. This exhibition will include work by Jonathan Evens, Alan Hitching, Mark Lewis, Janet Roberts, Francesca Ross, Henry Shelton, Joy Rousell Stone and Peter Webb. This exhibition is being held prior to an evening concert at All Saints by the Meljon Singers (https://www.facebook.com/events/246345185469093/).
 Together with Kathryn Robinson, Performing Arts Adviser for the Barking Episcopal Area, Jonathan Evens is organising a poetry evening which is also part of the two Festivals.

This Celebration of Poetry will be on Friday 12th October, 7.30pm, St Paul's Woodford Bridge, Cross Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 8BT. There is no admission charge and the evening will include local poets, published poets, musical/storytelling interludes and a showing of the 'Run with the Fire' Olympic-themed digital art exhibition. Among those reading their poetry are: Tim Cunningham, Jane Grell, Malcolm Guite, Alan Hitching, Jennifer Houghton and Jonathan himself.

Click here for more information about other events in the Woodford Festival.

 

E17 Art Trail: Steven Saxby interview

Steven Saxby has been interviewed about his curation of exhibitions for the E17 Art Trail. Click here to read the interview in which he says: "It is very exciting that we have these artist expressions of thoughts and feelings and reflections on what is meaningful in their lives and how this can communicate with others ... I always liked the relationship between art and expression and how people are communicating something about their lives."

Steven has once again organised an amazing line-up of artworks for the E17 Art Trail at St Barnabas and St Saviours, both in Walthamstow. Click here for information about the 16 different displays/events at St Barnabas and here for the 7 displays/events at St Saviours.

Another c4m member Nadiya Pavliv-Tokarska is contributing two displays at the Tokarska Gallery. Click here for details.

When deciding the theme for this year’s E17 Art Trail the organisers knew they had to find an expression to reflect the generosity of all who make this such a rich festival programme. Bestow giftwraps the invitation of almost 3000 practising artists and creative contributors, an invitation to enjoy the vision, to relish the gifts and to consider the ideas of our creative community. Doors are open to you revealing new compositions in artists workspaces and homes. Poets, playwrights, musicians, and comics will captivate you with stories old and new. You will encounter art that is joyous, challenging, confrontational, delightful, humourous, distinguished, ambitious and enterprising. Enjoy your visit, and treasure the memories.

Member's update: Colin Burns

Colin Burns is having a free album launch/social event on Saturday 22nd September and also has a new website: www.colinburnsmusic.com. 

The event is at 7.00 - 11.00pm, Cafe Eterno, 34 Neal Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9PS. This is just over half way along Neal Street (walking from Covent Garden tube) on the right, a bit past the pub. There will be performances from Colin and friends, Jane Sorrell, John McClean and Rod Boucher from 8.00 - 9.30pm approx followed by some of them doing background music. Colin will do a few tunes around 8.00pm and also towards the end of the slot.

It would be great if you could come. Feel free to bring friends. It would be helpful for Colin to know numbers, so if possible do let him know if you can make it

On the website you can download a free song, hear some samples and see a video. If you click on 'shop' you can also hear a sample of every track on the album. Also see: Colin's facebook page for colinburnsmusic. 

Art at Guy Harlings

The Ven. Martin Webster, Archdeacon of Harlow, will be showing some of his paintings in the boardroom at Guy Harlings, the Diocesan office for Chelmsford which will be open to visitors between 10am and 4pm on 8 September as part of Heritage Open Days.

Guy Harlings is a Grade II listed building, constructed in about 1716-1721 by John Comyns, later a Baron of the Exchequer, and re-fronted at the beginning of the 19th century. Three parts of the building will be open: the front hall, containing 16th century linenfold panelling with a frieze of carved heads, made of timber probably from the Tudor house on this site; the board room; and the resources centre (bookshop). The rooms overlook an expansive lawned garden. The name of the building comes from Guy Harlings who inherited a brewery on the site in 1453. The building has housed the offices of Chelmsford Diocese since 1951. A pamphlet will be available and items of interest will be on display.

Discover the history of Guy Harlings, browse the bookshop, find out about the print unit and take a look at the art on display in our boardroom. The Dean of the Chelmsford Cathedral, The Very Revd Peter Judd will be offering a tour of the Cathedral starting from Guy Harlings at 11am. 

Member's update: Michael Creasey and Peter Webb

Michael Creasey and Peter Webb will both show work when the National Society of Painters, Sculptors and Printmakers return to the Menier Gallery for their 79th Annual Exhibition (Tuesday 11 - Saturday 22 September).

Founded in 1930, the Society was created by a group of young artists who wished to break away from established galleries that they found stuffy and inhibiting.

New members are chosen for the quality and interesting approach of their work. The exhibition will feature many paintings, limited edition prints and sculptures. There will also be a dedicated display of small works.

Michael also has work in the BASH (Big Art Submission Havering) exhibition at the B R Gallery in Havering. This exhibition showcases the best of Havering's artists in a salon style Big Art Show. The show runs from 5th to 14th September, 9.00am - 3.30pm (Mon - Fri), late opening on Thurs 6th, 6.00 - 9.00pm.