I am a Christian artist, inspired by the wrapping of the tabernacle of the Old Testament and the words of the Lord, "I AM."
Several months ago I was inspired during my morning reading of the Scriptures to begin a large artwork incorporating the method of wrapping. The tabernacle in the Old Testament was wrapped in specific layers of protection. Each one had a purpose and symbolic meaning.
“I AM” in progress. Note the Arabic for “I AM” within my embroidery hoop—top left of photo.
About that time, my pastor read from the book of Genesis about creation. At God’s Word, the oceans teamed with sealife. (Genesis 1:20) In the past, I have worked prolifically with layered glass, creating sealife mosaics, highlighting their beauty and variety.
With prayer, I began there. At the bottom of the artwork, I formed the coral reef.
Taking recyclable materials, I stuffed, wrapped, knitted and sewed the coral. With sequins, ribbons and beads, I gave it great beauty, just as the reefs themselves are gorgeous, just as the tabernacle was very beautiful.
Wrapping in layers shows depth. The sea turtle is polyfil stuffed cardboard, glued and sewn shut. Then it is bound with green fabric, decorative mesh, green fishing cord, strung beads, and finally gold pieces from disassembled jewelry. Between the gold are green “sequins,” created from plastic beverage bottles.
Within the ancient tabernacle was a first covering of violet, purple, and scarlet material, embroidered with cherubim, a type of angel.
Above and around the sea turtle are embroidered on similarly-hued tulle, the powerful words of the Lord from John 18:5 in many languages. Each spoken tongue proclaims the divinity of the Lord as Creator—the great “I AM.”
At this time, December 2024, there are 26 languages recognized, including Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin and Greek, even Chinese, Russian, Arabic and Kurdish. As this is a work daily in progress, more languages will be added. As I work, I pray.
As Christ calls us to carry forward the Gospel across the waters into all the world, so I hope to send this piece of art to cities around the United States and even abroad to open eyes to the truth of the Creator, our Savior--"I AM.”
Would you please share in this joy of reaching others who will recognize their own tongue and ask “What is this?” and then they will be told, “They are the words of Jesus, the Creator, the One Who Is.”
Every bit helps.
(C) 2025 Kelly Jadon