Ellen Pointer
Abode I, II, III
linocut print
While contemplating Advent readings and canticles that exude joy, I rested on Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, Hebrews 10:5-10, and the Visitation in Luke 1:39-45. I imagined the ways God has dwelled with us and brought unexpected joy in various kinds of “abodes.” This prayerful project encouraged my heart in the midst of quiet, unglamorous, and humble living.
Abode II is a hectic domestic scene of weary, pregnant Elizabeth during a typical work day, when she is unexpectedly visited by a hopeful Mary. I tried to show Elizabeth’s tired expression suddenly filled with rapture as she sees her beloved cousin and feels her baby, the future John the Baptist, leap in her womb. She is familiar with prophecy and hopes in God’s promises. The scroll at her feet quotes Micah 5:5a. Her abode, with its chaotic abundance, has a frenetic, joy-filled energy that is both earthly and supernatural.
Abode I is a response to the first earthly dwelling, the ark, that God provided for his people. It foreshadows the womb of Mary. The ark houses the manna (bowl, top left), the flowering almond staff (behind the bowl), and the Word of God on the tablets (top right). Mary, blessed among women, carries the true Bread of Life, Royal Priest, and Word of God in her womb. The lilies symbolize Mary’s purity, the holly is christological, and the olive is for peace. These plants joyfully adorn and unify the composition.
Abode III zooms out to the “little clan of Judah” (Micah 5), another humble dwelling place for Jesus the Messiah. This shepherding culture provides profound shelter for Mary and Joseph to welcome the Savior of the world. What joy for a little town to serve as a home to the Messiah, fulfilling prophecy and holding such honor.
As I considered these three settings, I was struck with great joy that I am also an abode for Jesus in the midst of another hectic season.
Ellen is an artist living in Winfield. She is slowly emerging from a full life as a wife, mother, and grandmother to include an even fuller life as an artist too. She loves oil painting, watercolor painting, printmaking, botanical illustration, antiquing, and floral arranging for the glory of the Gospel and the Church. Ellen_pointner@comcast.net
Advent Exhibit
Each week of Advent a new visual artist and poet is featured in our RezArts Gallery. These original pieces invite you into the anticipation of Christ’s coming through a representation of each week’s theme: hope, peace, love, and joy. This series will culminate in a fifth display celebrating Christmas. Visit the Advent Exhibit in RezCafe, on display until January 12.
