"I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world."– John 16:33 (TLB)
Artist's Name: Jim Collins Title of Entry: “Peace Be Still” Medium: Oil painting on canvas Dimensions: 96” x 180”
Description of Artwork: “Peace Be Still” depicts the Biblical account of Jesus calming the tempest storm, representing the peace that only He can provide as trials and tribulations swarm about us. Only the Lord can calm our hearts and souls, as long as we are in the boat with Him while the world's persecution rages. Our faith can be built on the sure foundation of knowing that Jesus’ power has overcome this world, even unto death, for it leads to the resurrection of eternal life for those who believe in Him.
Youth Category Winner:
Artist's Name: Emily Kelly Title of Entry: “At the Cottage” Medium: Watercolour painting Dimensions: 8.5” x 11”
Description of Artwork: The place depicted in this painting represents “Perfect Peace” to me because everything is quiet and still. I can enjoy God's wonderful creation in the water, in the woods, or even while watching sunsets on the dock.
Second Place
2nd Place Adult Winner:
Artist's Name: Anne Laviolette Title of Entry: “Peace Like a River” Medium: Oil on canvas
Description of Artwork: “Peace Like a River” for me represents trusting one's whole self to God's care. It captures the experience of the Holy Spirit's powerful presence and peace moving through one's being, leading to a deep understanding that whatever happens, “It is well with my soul.” I believe the peace of God takes on a whole new level of meaning in the face of danger, persecution, or even death. This is being depicted in my submitted artwork, where someone who is suffering incarceration has found peace through their faith in Him – echoing the imagery of that great hymn.
2nd Place Youth Winner:
Artist's Name: Rosalyn Canada Title of Entry: “Roots of True Peace” Medium: Oil painting
Description of Artwork: My painting is a scene of a koi fishpond, with elements hidden under the water. In keeping with the theme, “Perfect Peace,” the first thing that came to my mind was calm waters with koi fish gliding through them. Nature has always brought me a sense of peace, enabling me to focus my mindset on God (Isaiah 26:3). It also brings me a sense of wonder when I think about all of the intricate details that He has created to make everything beautiful.
This painting evokes peacefulness because I imagine being in the scene…on a nice sunny day, sitting in the green grass, smelling the fresh air, hearing the soft sounds of water and the ecosystem – while watching the fish and water gently move – and feeling connected to God by being close to nature. Additionally, there are some objects in the water that aren’t usually found in a pond. These ‘symbols of faith’ represent the ‘roots of true peace.’ There are hearts, a cross, a Bible, and a crown of thorns, all of which symbolize Christ – the Source of our true peace.
Honourable Mention
Adult Honourable Mention:
Artist's Name: Karen Earls Title of Entry: “Confidently Confined in His Light” Medium: Photography, mixed media (wood, paper, wax, Scripture pages, fabric)
Description of Artwork: Through this piece, I envision many of the Godly Bible characters and personal Christian mentors of one's life who have gone on ahead in a cloud above the earth (Hebrews 12:1-2). There, these witnesses are cheering on the “runner” from their heavenly stands. The Christian runner wears light clothing and carries only a Bible; ready to run the race with the cross ever before him – wherever it leads on this planet – to do the works that God has prepared for him to do.
Additional Artwork from Previous Art Contest Submissions Click on the images for a larger view.
