Keep On
Mixed media on canvas
Joan C. Thomson, UK/ USA
As an interpretation of my husband, Farris Thomson's vision for the new Arts Release Centre in Leeds, England, I've painted the progression of the results of labour in the Lord from small green sprout and trace of water in the lower right corner, winding upward to flourishing vegetation surrounding a lake and spread across the top of the long canvas. Many layers of acrylic and coloured pencil marks built the rich visual texture of the expanse of sand; do you see the traces of blue and of gold? I've painted the many trees and plants from photos I've taken in various parts of the world.
Farris' vision
Farris Thomson was worshiping the Lord in the new Arts Release Centre (ARC) at Mabgate Mills in Leeds. "In my mind, I was suddenly in the middle of the desert - hot, dry, burning sand as far as I could see. I cried out, "Lord! What are you showing me?" "Look closely." I looked and saw a solitary green shoot, barely visible in the sand, giving hope of life. The voice in my mind (I know was the Holy Spirit) spoke, "Dig. You will find water." A shovel appeared in my hand. I dug and sure enough, a little pool of life giving water formed. "Keep digging'" the Spirit ordered. It was hard labour but eventually the little pool began to grow. After what seemed a long time, a substantial pool of cool, refreshing water formed into a small lake. A packet of many varieties of seeds appeared in my hands. The Lord ordered, "Sow the seeds around the lake." As I sowed the seeds, beautiful flowers, massive shade trees and palm trees rose all around. It was an oasis in the middle of a dry and barren land. Then I remembered the scripture, "On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink," (John 7:37) Jesus indicated through this vision that the Arts Release Centre will become a spiritual oasis for all who thirst after the water of Life. ARC will be a place of rest and refreshment for "the peoples of the nations" as they wander through this desert. Word will spread; many will be saved. They will also dig "wells of salvation" in this and other deserts."
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As a Christian artist with Arts Release, Joan Thomson is glad to minister with the artistic skills & creativity given her by God. You may contact her at joan.thomson@wec-uk.org regarding your ministry needs or opportunities.
The artworks by Joan Thomson shown here are just a sample; more of her art can be viewed at joancthomsonart.com. All images are copyright by Joan C. Thomson.
