Hidden One is a poem about the Christians of Japan, first introduced to Jesus during the time of the Silk Road. Their history includes persecution; but, their faith has endured until today.

she seeks a quiet rustic rice field in which to graze

nibbling greening midori shoots

gingerly her hoofs

whisper between rising sun’s rays

her cry is heard up to the heavens

persecuted, beaten by brutal verbiage

her feet stomp, but her heart holds firm

the doe of the dawn

I have heard her, my doe, my love

at first call,

I rise to stand, to see her,

as does the fearless, faithful noon sun

she is caught in treachery’s trappings

her helpless heart near to shot through by archer’s piercing arrow

she has hidden herself

lying down in shady earth’s sweet grass

away from hungry evil eyes

my buck-shorn legs too—once tied

surrounded by destruction’s dogs

my stag’s side speared

limbs pierced

a thorny crown of antlers tearing away my scarred scalp

a hart given only once

panting, she, terrified, trembles, attempting to rise alone

but failing, cannot

oh, the sweet fugi apple of my eye

the one I love in tenderness

made white as Hokkaido’s wintery snows

her life, drain’s down, dripping drops

upon the stones of several generations’ footfalls

hiding herself once more

from those who would devour her whole

she sees my defensive signs descend

between her captors’ cat calls

tempting to lure her deeper into their despotic darkness

a time of waiting—safety, has commenced

in silence

in solitude

to rely upon my fighting strength

my words, my ways

eternal

my word to my doe, my bride

love of my life

shall ever stand

with me by your gentle side

As an artist, I primarily work with what I already have at hand. After this, I may extend a search and recovery operation to recycle bins, thrift stores and garage sales. Neighbors and friends who know of my work have contributed unwanted materials as well.

“What about that old canvas you’re scrapping? Care if I take it for my artwork?” I ask.

“Sure, you can have it!” she’ll respond.

And so it goes.

God uses what He has at hand too when making something new. And that’s the key. The newness. What can be fixed, refinished, repurposed, sanded, painted, cut, stuffed, sewn, wrapped and embroidered into a fresh design or object of art?

I believe there is a redemptive quality in using repurposed mediums.

God Himself knew that He was creating new life in a sinful world, yet He redeemed us and makes us clean for His father’s presence through the blood of Jesus. Sometimes, it takes the ugliest little pieces to fit things together perfectly.

Previously, I pieced together an acrylic painted canvas of a bride, which is a little “steampunk.” Utilizing scraps and pieces of jewelry, primarily the parts no one wants or sees—like an earring clip, I transformed her into a queen.

In my mind, this “queen” is a picture of the bride of Christ, formed of many redeemed pieces, fit together into one body. She is a queen made to rule and reign with the Lord (Revelation 20:4).

This redemptive quality of repurposed materials is similar to how God takes those who would be thrown away by society as useless non-contributors, to be used for His glory. The Scripture states that God chooses the weak and foolish things of this world and uses them to shame the wise and strong things of this world (1Corinthians 1:27).

What type of recycled/repurposed materials do you use for artwork?

The Wrap