When art and spirituality intertwine, they create a profound and captivating story that touches the very thing that makes us human. In the world of contemporary art, an artist stands out for their unique approach to intertwining scripture with creativity. Today, we delve into the mesmerizing world of artistic interpretation inspired by the first 11 chapters of Genesis by Canadian Contemporary Artist, Luke Edward Stripp.
Genesis: A Source of Inspiration
In The Beginning ...
it was the autumn of 2023 when I entered a new relationship with a Christian girl. She was deeply in love with her faith, particularly with the idea of religion and Jesus. While I’ve always considered myself more spiritual than religious, I found myself drawn to her passion and the way she expressed her love for God. I listened, absorbing as much as I could, eager to understand this part of her life.
At the same time, I found myself in an odd space—feeling disconnected, as though I didn’t quite belong. My work, which had once fulfilled me, now left me searching for something deeper. This sense of unease led me to revisit some of my older paintings, pieces that I had long since left behind. As I reviewed them, I realized how much I had changed and how distant these works felt. They no longer resonated with me or reflected my past. I saw flaws in the work—questions left unanswered, emotions not fully explored. So, I did what felt right: I painted over them, giving them new life. I didn't know it yet, but this was the beginning of Genesis, a personal journey of transformation, renewal, and rediscovery.
The Artist's Vision
What began as an act of self-discovery soon led to a moment of clarity. On December 24, 2023, I attended my first church service—a day before Christmas. That morning, they opened the scripture reading with Luke, followed by Genesis. Goosebumps spread down my spine like wildfire. What were the odds that at my first service, they would begin with the chapter bearing my name? Initially, I thought perhaps she had mentioned it was my first time attending, but I was wrong. She hadn’t. Even if she had, it would have been nearly impossible for the church to arrange such a specific reading, given the last-minute timing and the size of the congregation.
It felt like the perfect alignment of destiny.
In that moment, I knew what I needed to do. I said to myself, "I'm going to paint Genesis."
Bridging the Gap Between Past and Present
Since rekindling my passion for painting through my latest work, I felt it was important to create these pieces in the styles that first sparked my love for art. Drawing inspiration from Geometrical Abstraction, Surrealism, Art Deco, and Cubism, I sought to merge the past with the present. By incorporating the modern art movements that initially captivated me, I experienced a sense of euphoria—connecting with the timeless essence of Genesis while expressing it through the artistic forms that shaped my creative journey.
A Glimpse into the Artistic Process
My process usually varies from painting to painting, but with Genesis, it remained consistent throughout. Each morning began with a quiet routine: I’d stay in bed with my cup of coffee, open the drawer of my nightstand, and pull out my NIV Bible. With my hair still a mess and the day just beginning, I’d read scripture first thing. A pen and paper would sit beside me, ready to capture my thoughts, feelings, or ideas that sparked from the passages—sometimes full of emotions, sometimes imagining different scenarios that could unfold.
From there, I’d shift into meditation. Sitting in peace, I would focus on the painting I intended to create, breathing in and out until the image became clear in my mind. Once I felt ready, I’d make my way to the canvas.
Entering my dimly lit studio, I’d connect my laptop to my Bluetooth speaker, turn on a Genesis reading from YouTube, and begin to paint. After the painting is finished and dry, I’d move to the resin application process. This part is always the hardest—not because of the technique, but because I know my hands will never touch the painting again. It becomes sealed in timelessness, untouched by human hands. This is my last moment with the painting, where I savor every layer and brushstroke, reflecting on the journey it took to create it. It feels like a final goodbye to the painting... and to another new beginning for both the work and myself.
The Impact of Contemporary Biblical Art
In a world where many feel disconnected from traditional religious narratives, contemporary biblical art serves as a bridge, reconnecting people to stories that have shaped human history. It breathes new life into these ancient texts, offering fresh interpretations that resonate with modern audiences. By blending spiritual themes with contemporary aesthetics, this form of art makes age-old stories more accessible, relatable, and meaningful.
Biblical art in a contemporary context challenges viewers to see these narratives not just as distant history, but as reflections of universal human experiences—struggles, triumphs, faith, and doubt—that are still relevant today. It invites people to engage with spirituality in a way that speaks to their present lives, whether they come from a religious background or not.
This art form encourages personal reflection, sparking conversations about morality, purpose, and existence. In an era where many seek meaning and connection, contemporary biblical art has the power like never before to inspire thought, provoke emotion, and ultimately connect us to something greater than ourselves.
Revelation: Where Art Meets Divinity
The Genesis collection represents more than just a series of reimagined paintings—it is a profound exploration of beginnings, transformation, and the timeless relevance of spiritual narratives in our contemporary world. Through the process of revisiting and reshaping older works, this collection became an artistic journey of self-discovery, one that mirrors the story of creation itself. By blending modern art forms with biblical inspiration, Genesis bridges the gap between the ancient and the present, offering a unique perspective on faith, renewal, and personal evolution.
In this body of work, I sought to connect with something greater than myself, channeling the energy of spiritual inquiry while embracing the complexities of modern existence. Each piece invites the viewer to reflect on their own journey—whether spiritual or secular—while drawing from the universal themes of purpose, growth, and new beginnings. Ultimately, Genesis is a testament to the power of art as a vehicle for transformation, both for the artist and the viewer, encapsulating the beauty and significance of rediscovering oneself through creativity.
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