Title of the Artwork: Rest
Acrylic on Canvas
Jean LAM (CCST Vancouver Master of Theological Studies student)
As someone who loves painting, my creative inspiration primarily comes from natural landscapes, especially the wonders of nature. The picturesque scenery of Canada through the four seasons often leaves me in awe of God’s creativity and abundant imagination. Among the many themes in nature, I am particularly drawn to painting trees, which may be linked to my subconscious. During my time in Hong Kong, through studying art therapy and psychological art assessments, I gradually came to understand that my love for trees stems from my life experiences. Each time I paint a tree, it reflects my current state of mind: the trunk symbolizes personal growth and self-awareness, while the branches represent human interaction and the need for connection, such as relationships and environmental impressions.
In recent years, my inspiration has also been deeply influenced by my faith. I hope to combine art and faith, using my artwork to introduce more people to the Lord. This acrylic painting was inspired by Psalm 1:3: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” In the painting, a blue sky stretches above a lush green meadow, and small flowers bloom around the tree, while fertile soil nourishes its growth. I imagine myself sitting quietly on a swing beneath the tree, enjoying the gentle breeze, as if resting in the arms of the Lord. Beside the tree is a clear path, its destination unknown, adding a sense of mystery to the painting—perhaps much like life itself?
The tree’s trunk appears slender but conceals a tenacious vitality. Its branches are filled with leaves, fruits, and flowers, and even a swing for people to enjoy. This painting highlights the essential sunlight and water needed for the tree’s flourishing, with strong roots serving as its foundation. The roots not only anchor the tree but also enable it to grow robustly, just as our spiritual lives thrive when rooted in faith (Isaiah 37:31). “Life is a process of transformation, and only when our spiritual roots are deep can we withstand life’s storms” (Spiritual Depths | Leung Hoi Wah).
This imagery also reminds me of the Trinity: the tree’s roots symbolize God the Father, the foundation of the tree, representing His creative power. The trunk represents God the Son, Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between God and humanity. The branches symbolize the Holy Spirit, representing His activity and power, giving life and strength to believers. The leaves and fruits signify believers and the Church, with the tree reflecting the Trinity’s presence in the world.
As T. S. Eliot said, aesthetic experience is closely related to spiritual experience. Dr. Timothy Ho pointed out that all of creation enables us to enter into fellowship with the Creator through knowledge, love, and joy. In the course "Transcendent Revelation," I learned the importance of the relationship between aesthetic experience and spirituality. I hope that in various contexts and faith traditions, particularly Christianity, there can be greater acceptance of the connection between art, faith, and spiritual experience, allowing us to enjoy deeper fellowship with the Creator through His creation.
I wholeheartedly praise our Heavenly Father for the indescribable beauty of His creation. Like this painting, we can integrate imagination with spiritual experience, deepening our connection with the Creator through Scripture, spiritual growth, theology, and aesthetic encounters.