Light in the Darkness

I created this bible journal page in 2022, the passage is John 1, often read at Advent and Christmas. Focusing on the first 18 verses, I took the light shining in the darkness as my theme. If you look closely, you can see that I’ve highlighted three words in the text - life, light and grace - which I also wrote down the side. I also added a simple representation of the baby Jesus. The gold was created using a technique from my card making skills - heat embossing. I used a versamark pen that to write and draw my design, onto which I then sprinkled the gold embossing powder. It only sticks to where the versamark pen has been used. I then heated the powder so that it melted and stuck to the page (it’s quite magical to watch). The heat embossed gold will then resist any water-based medium you put on top of it. This meant that I could blend black ink onto the page (another technique from my card making) to create the darkness. I’ve been making cards for a long time, and it is great to be able to apply the techniques I’ve learnt over the years to my art practice.

I love this passage in John 1, and it says so much! It speaks of the incarnation - God coming into the world. God, who made the world and who is light and life, coming to live amongst us as a man. It is the amazing truth that we celebrate at Christmas. And he brings life, light and grace. For that I’m very thankful.