Art and Friendship

I recently was commissioned by one of my neighbors here in Helena to make this crucifix, The Risen Christ. This is my African version. It is so interesting the connections and interactions that art can make for us. I started to get to know my neighbors Mike and Georgia through the winter months as we would plod out to our cars and began to de ice and rid them of the mounds of snow. Over time we got to know each other a little better and eventually they made their way here, to UrbanPastures Blogspot and to my website UrbanPasturesArt and saw some of the many types of art I have created. When April arrived Mike asked me about the possibility of my making a Risen Christ for their home. Of course I said yes, in fact I was thrilled. It was fun to plan out the size, the color options and where it would hang with both Georgia and Mike. They were wonderful to work with and as I look back over the past 6 months I am amazed that those snowy January days have brought us together sharing art and friendship. In the bleak midwinter in the dark January evenings a new friendship and a shared love of art began.

The African Risen Christ was first designed 4 years ago as a response to the many sufferings that our brothers and sisters in Africa have endured over the past 50 years. I can not help but think that Christ knows first hand their pain and burdens and faithfully walks with them in their daily journeys.

The risen Christ hanging in it’s new home.