September 2009

Quiet Time
By Sara Butcher
www.sarabutcher.com

Sara has always seen magical and wondrous things around her. Faeries, mermaids, and elves came naturally, and when it was time to make an adult decision to keep the fairytales or leave them, she only advanced further into the realm of imagination. Sara attended the Minneapolis College of Art & Design in 2000 to pursue the talents God provided her. In 2003 she traveled abroad to Scotland to study at the Glasgow School of Art. There she wandered the Highlands, searched for the roots in fairytales, and her heritage. When she returned home and graduated in 2004 with her BFA, the road became clearer, and her work had a purpose. Sara's work displays the voyage from discovery of self in folklore to the fantastical grace of holy faith. The importance of strength, hope, love, and "to seek something more than human", radiates from the paintings. It is Sara's drive and purpose to inspire others, of old and young, to view life as one full of peaceful light. Sara teaches children art at the Des Moines Art Center and continues to move forward in her children's book illustration.

This painting first set out to be a challenge given to myself.  I had just finished "Her Tranquility" and wanted to create another piece based on scripture.  I find it difficult to paint one full piece engulfed with detail and then to do another right after.  Though I can't tell you want scripture led me to this imagery, I can say that it put me in a place that allowed God to speak.  The "S" movement her tail creates, the hair flowing up, and the colors are all soothing and repetitive of the grace God has for me.  My mind and emotions are full and always moving, so to find a moment of peace with God's word is precious to me.  This painting reminds me of why I love Him so entirely.  He brings the smile on my face, fills me with life that flows like water, lifts me up, and brings light into view.  All displayed with the mermaid's pose, actions, and colors in contrast to the world around her.  God is constantly speaking, we need only to listen.

Click on the image to see the full-size version.