Charis Stucki
To Lay His Head
Watercolor and acrylic
In the first few weeks of postpartum, I spent a lot of time admiring the face, fingers, and toes of my little baby. The delicate digits curling around my finger enchanted me. I remember my mom saying she did the same thing when I was a baby. And she thought, “Oh dear, is this idol worship?” She decided she was admiring God’s handiwork.
I wonder if Mary had the same experience.
After learning about modern architecture I began to study and admire the particularities of our church. Architect Dave Skiffington studied under Meis Van Der Rohe, a cornerstone of the iconic, highly functional style found in Chicago. During sermons, I often sketch the lines and shapes of the beams, pipes, windows, and the trees that are framed therein. The simplicity and industrial quality of plain, steel beams and windows provides a striking contrast to the nature on our property. But this contrast does not compete with the natural beauty, it highlights it. From outside, the trees and sky are reflected in the windows. From inside, we can admire God’s creation. Oh, come, let us adore Him.
Charis was baptized as a baby at the Rez Easter Vigil of 1997 and lives in Glen Ellyn with her husband and son. This fall she started teaching art lessons to homeschool children and is thoroughly enjoying it. She studied art at Wheaton College and uses art as a way to study her roots, faith, and the world around her.
Advent/Christmas Exhibit
Each week of Advent a new visual artist and poet was 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 culminated with this fifth painting and a poem celebrating Christmas. Visit the Advent Exhibit in RezCafe, on display until January 12.
