ECVA Call: Light of the World

           

As director of exhibitions for Epsicopal Church & Visual Arts (ECVA) I want to share the latest call with you.  Traditionally the Advent exhibition has been one of the most beautiful exhibitions we have all year, and it was during Advent 2001 that I discovered and first submitted work for the ECVA exhibition entitled Out of Darkness.  It was a beautiful time of my life when I was discovering the Episcopal Church and all its lovely Advent tradtions. 

I created the image above as a header for the call.  The cross is one I found at an antique shop years ago and bought for almost nothing.  I wish you could see the beautiful natural designs on it - it reminds me so much of a celtic theme of birds and nature and makes me think of St. Francis' Canticle of the Sun (All Creatures of Our God and King).  I occasionally wore this cross on a short black velvet ribbon for awhile until I gave it to my Sweetie to be used as a verger's cross.  It reminds me of many happy times when light flooded our life and nave; it is an appropriate symbol of the warmth of Advent or any time our souls call for Light:

" I am the light of the world. If any man follow me, he shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life ." John 8:12

Advent, the beginning of the church year, occurs during the darkest days of Winter when the lush beauty of nature has disappeared and our souls long for warmth. During this season we prepare for the coming of Light from Light through treasured rituals of greening naves, lighting advent candles, lessons and carols, reflection and meditation. These Advent traditions serve as symbols for our search in darkness for the mystery of life-giving light.

How do we find and manifest that light? Lux Mundi, the Light of the World .
ECVA calls for images that give vision to longing for light in the darkness and growing anticipation of the birth of Christ.

How do we find this light in our inner landscapes? How is His light manifested in your heart? During this season of darkness how do you imagine the coming light of life for all to see?

Exhibition Publication Date: November 30, 2008
Submissions Deadline: November 1, 2008