Artist bio

Heather J. Kirk is a writer, speaker, fine art photographer, graphic designer and fashion designer. Ms. Kirk successfully presented a TEDx Fountain Hills talk titled "The Weaver of Light and Life," honoring God’s role in every aspect of our lives to bring about His purpose that is also meaningful for each of us. She is available for speaking engagements for small groups, large groups, studies, education and to do readings from her books: "We ...a spirit seeking harmony for a world that's out of sync" and “I Water Dead Plants: a book of poetry and belief.” She frequently speaks and teaches on hope in the midst of trials, intercultural interactions, and living a radical and faith-filled life for Christ. Her gift and purpose is to help others find, and step into, their own purposes. Heather has been a featured artist in Phoenix Home and Garden Magazine. Her art has shown nationally, including at: de Young Museum in San Francisco; The Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico; dana gallery in Missoula, Montana; Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and The Art Institute and Gallery in Salisbury, Maryland. In Arizona, her art has shown at: Off Madison Avenue, Van Gogh’s Ear, Shemer Art Center, Gammage Auditorium, Herberger Theater, @ Central Gallery, and Tempe Community Galleries. Heather’s art is in several private and corporate collections, including: American Sport Art Museum and Archives in Daphne, Alabama; St. Joseph’s Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona; Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer in Natick, Massachusetts; and Eller Graduate School of Management, The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. Heather does what she calls “Art and Fashion for a Cause.” Whether it is traditional 2D art or her images printed on fabrics and fashion, she donates a portion of the profits to non-profits related to the image (like wild horses) or the country the photo was taken in. Her favorite type of charity are those that prevent and intervene in sex and human trafficking. Once entering the fashion industry, new awareness made it important that clothes she creates and buys are made by companies paying fair wages to garment workers. As a writer, Heather has contributed writings to various journals, such as Alive Now, The Bible Advocate, and two Chicken Soup for the Soul books – ‘finding my faith’ and ‘Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul.’ Ms. Kirk has received a Vermont Studio Center Poetry Residency and an Arizona Commission on the Arts Professional Development Grant. She leads a Bible Study and Writing group called Writing on Purpose / Writing for God, creating a mutual learning and encouraging environment for those who feel their purpose is to write to bring glory to God and to encourage others along their life and spiritual paths. Heather J. Kirk’s art can be seen at https://heather-kirk.pixels.com/ For links to her Books, Graphic Design Services, Fashion for a Cause, go to http://HeatherJKirk.com You can reach her at HJKirk@juno.com In order of Appearance: Irene Smith – “You can fight more with an ARMY than by yourself!” Irene Smith was born in Dallas, Texas...and raised in Los Angeles. California. She is currently a licensed insurance agent in Arizona. A proud mother of two children and five grandchildren. Her passion for writing was birthed out of having a chronic illness that caused her to see things, and the power of her miraculous God, from a totally different prospective. She hopes to inspire others to follow their passion and to believe. __________ James Montgomery – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood / The weapons of our warfare are not carnal” James Montgomery was born in Albuquerque, NM. He currently lives in Arizona where, for the past 4 years, James has worked as a special education math teacher, including a specialization in working with autistic students. James has a unique spiritual background. Starting in a more spiritually inclined (charismatic) congregations, he then shifted to a church that was expository in its teaching. James’ “sinful season” of life consisted of dabbling in recreational drugs and tasting alcoholism. He transparently admits to being hooked on porn from the age of 18 to 24, and sexual relationships from the age of 22 to 23. By the grace of God, James was set me free from those things. He feels called to write and speak about how to become an overcomer in these areas. He has found that the root of most of our issues lies not with the external symptoms that lead to social problems, but by something that is harder to see—like regret. He has found that the key to freedom is service and reading God’s Word with diligence. The Word washes us clean, as Christ does for His church, or as a husband covers his wife (Ephesians 5). In his podcasts, James openly shares about life’s struggles, and the answers he has found to the spiritual battle against the flesh. Listen in to his refreshing openness and honesty about typically taboo, or just challenging, topics. “Not for the Faint of Heart: Christian Biblical understanding and theology. Conviction vs. constraint. Life purpose and meaning for our time here on earth. Jesus and his freedom.” https://anchor.fm/brother.james!/ ______________ Kevin Montgomery – “Standing Firm on the God’s Promises” Kevin Montgomery was born in Albuquerque, NM. He currently lives in Arizona, after spending over a year in Vietnam teaching English as a Second Language. After listening to a relationship series by Pastor Michael Todd, he took to heart understanding and communicating to other young men from a Christian point of view how to meet those needs: Honor, Respect and Sex. Leaving the third for a discussion other than a bio, Kevin considered the different ways he had sought honor and respect. He found that neither sports nor work nor the pursuit of wealth fulfilled either. When a friend introduced Kevin to volunteer opportunities, he felt his heart leading him to one answer: serving and giving back to my community. Through conversations with his father, and seeing the lack of paternal involvement in so many other’s lives, Kevin determined the highest level of honor and respect revolves around raising a family and kids who love God and serve Him. Being a great leader of a household, a father, a husband, a friend, a son. And community member. To Kevin, that means instead of looking around and expecting someone and/or everyone else to teach and model these principals, especially for young men, he intends to do it – though his example and through speaking and writing about it whenever possible.. _____________ Anna Bullington: “Blanketed in Truth” and “The Battle Cry” Anna Bullington is from Durham, Ontario, Canada, and currently lives in Camden, Tennessee. Anna is an artist. She loves to sing, being creative, and especially to laugh! God recently called her to write a book to prepare the Bride of Christ to meet her groom. “I See FIT: Encounters with the King” is currently in pre-production. Anna is the creator and administrator for the Facebook Group “The KINGs House,” which is designed to help you see WHO you are and WHAT you are called to do! To help you receive Understanding regarding things that are very important for you to know in order for you to carry out your personal assignment from the KING! He has called you here for ‘Such a time as this’!” _____________ Heather J. Kirk – “Righteousness That Latches On” After birthing my own book, as a mid-wife of sorts, I decided to help other authors deliver (publish) their labors of love and messages of God and hope. I am poet, artist, and graphic designer. I use my art and writing to bring awareness and raise funds for important causes. Graphic Design: https://hjkirk.wixsite.com/heatherkirkgraphics Books: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B006N6C0JE We…a spirit seeking harmony for a world that’s out of sync; I Water Dead Plants: a book of poetry and belief For more extensive information, See Entrant Bio. _________________ Gloria Cerda – “The Walk of Peace” Gloria Cerda is from Chicago. She and her husband Julio live in Phoenix, Arizona. She works for the Industrial Commission of Arizona, which “administers and enforces state laws relating to the protection of life, health, safety and welfare of Arizona's employees”. The mission fits well with Gloria’s natural inclination to protect and care for others, both physically and spiritually. She attends both church ant Bible Study at Dream City Church and rarely arrives without bringing a friend or guest along with her. Gloria daily walks out peace – the part of the armor she chose to write about. She brings a sense of calm and peace to every situation. She loves to hand craft gifts that remind people of how God loves them – a journal or a prayer box with a verse or a personal message on it. It is both a ministry and a kind of meditative process. That doesn’t mean life is easy. But through every trial, she prays and depends on God. If she gets discouraged she says, “I'm going to shake myself out of this , pick up my sword and start using what God has already put in me, in Jesus name.” In the past year Gloria has begun writing her life story to share with others just how to do that – no matter how difficult things seem. __________ Heather J. Kirk – “Mustard Seed Shield” See Entrant Bio. __________ Kaye Guerrero – “Helmet of Salvation” Kaye Guerrero is a Jesus-lover, wife, and mother of two from Scottsdale, AZ. She credits her faith to her 91-year-old grandmother who taught her how to pray and brought her to church at a young age. Kaye attributes much of her Bible knowledge to her family’s former New Jersey pastor, the late Rev. Ric Anciado, who she describes as “someone who taught meaty, dissertation-like sermons every Sunday service,” back when she was in high school. Kaye currently works as a marketing and branding consultant for new entrepreneurs looking to launch and establish a social media presence. She leads a women’s small group for Impact Church Scottsdale, and writes for her blog https://everydayuncluttered.com/. __________ Lora Harvey – “The Prayer or Outstretched Arms” Lora Harvey's lineage is full of creatives, so the love of reading, writing, and art comes naturally. Writing short stories and poems from a young age, she recently began the pathway of drafting her first book. She also paints when words need to become visual and her music playlist hits just right. Lora volunteers regularly at Impact Church in both the Women's Ministry and Operations Department and loves spending time with close friends. Born in Colorado and raised mostly in Wyoming, she currently makes Arizona her home with her two amazing young adult children. Lora's short fiction piece "My Luxurious Hollow" was published in Issue 2 of Lost Pen Magazine and she is currently working with other Christian writers on an anthology of the Armor of God. You can visit her blog, My Lamp and Light, https://mylampandlight.blog/ Her art can be found on H Originals at: https://www.facebook.com/H.Originals.custom/ “All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded:” Exodus 35:10 (NKJV) ___________ Lauryn Andres: “Prayer of the sword of the spirit” Lauryn Andres was born into a Mennonite family in Canada. At age of 11, Lauryn attended a Billy Graham tent revival with her family, where God began to convict her heart. In college, she studied theology, business administration, agriculture and theater arts. She owned and managed women’s clothing stores in Toronto for 20 years, during which she married and had two children. In 1994, Lauryn moved to Arizona and opened a sign company, where she later became a business consultant and managed a furniture store. She now works with low income families, finding funds to help with their severe health care needs. Eventually God brought her to Scottsdale Bible church, where Christ is the abundant center of life. When Lauryn’s son Travis was 7, he was struck by a car and pronounced clinically dead for many minutes before being revived. Through prayers and the miracles of God’s love, his vitals stabilized, though he remained in a coma for a year. At that point Lauryn was told Travis would die within the year. Losing her marriage, stores suffering, emotions spinning out of control, and fighting for her son’s life, she had but two choices: lose all hope and faith in God, or cling to Gods promises. She asked God to help her grow in faith. Mentally, prayerfully, and with purpose, Lauryn put on God’s Full Armor, particularly relying on Faith and Grace. She stood firm, refusing to believe the doctors and their poor prognosis, and clutched the mighty Sword to her heart. Her son remains alive today, nearly 4 decades later! Though severely brain damaged, and his health lately remains a challenge, Travis continues to be blessing in her life – only by God's grace. He brings joy to all whose lives he touches. Lauryn visits her daughter Tammy and husband, and her two wonderful grandchildren whenever possible. An avid hiker, Lauryn often brings a journal to write in while view the pristine wonders of God’s creation. This has led to many devotion style poems and prayers that compare and contrast the inner spirit to the outer world. Lauryn says, “I wish to proudly declare before others, in my journey of faith through trials, loss and redemption, God IS faithful. Though we stumble, and often lose faith for a season, and are tempted in a very fallen world, He does bring us home!”

Title

Three in One

Medium/Genre

Photography

Artist Statement

“Three in One” is a color photo and using graphic design skills to combine four different photos of the same location. Heather took these photos, and many more, of James Turrell's SkySpace at SMOCA (Scottsdale Museum of Cultural Arts) in Scottsdale, Arizona. She visited and photographed on different days, times and seasons, before choosing those that best came together. Though not pictured here, she had the rare opportunity to photograph the SkySpace at night as well.

As indicated by the name, “Three in One” represents the Trinity of God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – as they are unique in their purpose and persons and yet still one aspect of the same Most High Godhead. The combined three photos fit into the one larger photo.

To understand the depth of this representation of the Trinity, and how it applies to the Full Armor of God, it helps to understand the physical structure itself. There are several of James Turrell’s SkySpaces throughout the world, each unique, but with a similar framework and architecture. The spaces are a combination of inside and outside. A concrete, geometrically shaped ‘room’ with seating inside the walls and the focus on the open ceiling. The rooms are simple with white walls, the open ceiling ringed with argon lights. The whole purpose is to focus not on the room itself but on what the room features: the sky… the heavens. So this simple room is giant an ever changing frame of God’s handiwork!

God’s creation, God’s power, the fullness of who God is the whole – while the three persons are experienced and give us power, strength and love in different ways.

Although the Skyspace itself is static, a solid architectural piece set in one place on land, as the earth rotates , every moment it features another view of the heavenly expanse. It limits what we can see at one time, but eventually we could see the immense expanse – albeit in digestible parts.

It makes me think of our lives and purposes. While we walk through the days and the seasons, we may feel static in the moment – in life, in a relationship, in a job, in a city, but there is always change. We are protected by God’s love and fortress and covering from seeing the whole picture when we are not yet ready to see it. But the picture is ever changing and each new view, every sunrise and sunset, adds to the amazing slideshow of life.

If we were to know the entire story of our walk through life before it happened, it would be overwhelmed. We may not sign up for the task! But as God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our pat, we see and get direction and guidance through life a little bit at a time, eventually beginning to see how it all weaves together in a beautiful tapestry, in spite of the storms (and rainbows) experienced along the way.

As we mature in Christ we stop fearing and begin to want more! Like Jabez, we cry, as in I Chronicles 4:10, “ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” Or as in Isaiah 54:2
“Enlarge the place of your tent,
stretch your tent curtains wide,
do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
strengthen your stakes.”

How it fits into contest

The shape of the space, as well as the outer framed image and the inner three in one image are intentionally the shape of a shield. Interestingly, depending on where you position yourself to phonograph, the whole to the sky can be either oval or round.)
In some ways I think of the sky as God’s cloak, a covering of strength and hope.

Isaiah 59:17 says, For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke..

Ephesians 6: speaks of the Full Armor as something we “put on.” And yet while we recive the gift of salvation and therefore ‘put it on” to cover our sin, we actually have very little to do with any of the armor pieces. All are gifts of Christ – salvation, truth, righteousness, peace, the Word (become flesh), and even faith has power only because of Who we place our faith in. Through prayer we invoke the power of God to fight on our behalf.

The image invokes a protection, represent s a refuge, a strong tower, a place to hide, a place to prepare in quiet (or reckless) prayer, and a place to advance from to claim new territory.
It reminds me of Psalm 91:1 – 6 (and more)

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, “

The focus in the heavens, on the heights, on the future victory, reminds me of Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Isaiah 54:2
“Enlarge the place of your tent,
stretch your tent curtains wide,
do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
strengthen your stakes.

I Chronicles 4:10
10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Psalm 46:1-7
1God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. c
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Credits

Photography and Digital Art (the design work to combine the photos) by Heather J. Kirk

How to Purchase this Artwork

Photography and Digital Art, Copyright Heather J. Kirk. Prints in many formats can be ordered through my gallery. "Three In One" can be custom ordered in any size or substrate (photo paper, watercolor paper, canvas, metal, mounted under acrylic) and custom framed according to your personal tastes and preferences at
https://heather-kirk.pixels.com/featured/three-in-one-heather-kirk.html

Please contact Heather J. Kirk for licensing a digital copy at HJKirk@juno.com.

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

I have many different outlets for my works, but links to ALL can be found on www.HeatherJKirk.com

And here are the separate links:

Services:
Graphic Design Portfolio for Small Businesses, Artists and Self-Publishing Authors; Editing Services: https://hjkirk.wixsite.com/heatherkirkgraphics
Speaking Engagements by Heather J. Kirk or other members of Writing on Purpose / Writing for God. HJKirk@juno.com with “Speaker Request” in the Subject Line.
Authored Books: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B006N6C0JE
We…a spirit seeking harmony for a world that’s out of sync
I Water Dead Plants: a book of poetry and belief

Photography and Art for a Cause – a percentage of profits goes to prevent sex and human trafficking in the country where the photo was taken: https://heather-kirk.pixels.com/

Fashion for a Cause: Cause – a percentage of profits goes to prevent sex and human trafficking in the country where the photo was taken:
VIDA Fashion: https://shopvida.com/collections/heather-j-kirk
Art of Where Fashion: https://artofwhere.com/artists/heatherjkirk

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