Art has been a means of expression for me from a very young age and something that I have pursued as a personal and professional outlet. Expression of emotions was not encouraged in me growing up, but I consider myself a deeply feeling person, so as my art has progressed and I have personally grown, this is displayed both in the ways I create visual representations as well as my choice to pursue counseling as a career. Much of my art takes on allegorical and sometimes surreal interpretations in attempt to portray the depth and darkness that can exist within me and the world surrounding. Many pieces also center around religious themes, drawing from biblical passages, which are rich in both metaphor and meaning and my emotional and spiritual worlds have often coincided.

My entry centers on an allegorical depiction of the parts of Ephesians 6:10-20. Verse 14 begins with the armor symbolism, stating the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. The belt of truth and truth in general are symbolized by the black and white palette of the artwork, creating a contrast between the darkness of the outer world and the light surrounding the tree. The white lines centering down the middle of the tree are an allusion to the breastplate and white being purity/righteousness. Verse 15 talks of feet fitted with readiness and the gospel of peace, and I symbolized this with the roots of the tree moving outward. The red coming from the roots is a reference to the blood of Christ, purifying and sanctifying, as stated in many verses, including Matthew 26:28. The darkness just beneath the tree is being washed away and made pure and white by the blood. The arc above the tree portrays the shield, blocking out the darkness (sin and evil) and extinguishing the "flaming arrows" (Eph. 6:16b) which are shown as comets. As for the faith element, the tree that is central to the image is a mustard tree, alluding to "faith as small as a mustard seed" (Matthew 17:20). Finally, the sword of the Spirit/the word of God is symbolically drifting away as Papyrus plants, a material that would have been used to write on in ancient times. This illustrates the gospel of peace as given to the disciples by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, to be spread throughout the world. The title of the work alludes to the Garden of Eden and the choices that the trees reflect, as well as the harmony and protection before the Fall. This brings together the entire narrative of the spiritual battle and the invulnerability the armor provides for those who are strong in the elements described.

Email at jharing.art@gmail.com for inquiries

I produce original works of art and make commission pieces to sell as well. Please contact at jharing.art@gmail.com or visit my website and fill out the form: www.jessieharing.com.