Gregg Nowell: “Watching”, Mixed media on canvas, 50.1 x 100.1cm
Gregg Nowell: “Consider the wild flowers”, Acrylic on canvas, 25 x 50cm
Gregg Nowell
Artist Statement
In 2005 I was eating a meal at a restaurant overlooking the Niagara Falls, Canada when a small bird began to eat the crumbs from my table. I was reminded of the verse in Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the sir, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (NKJV)
My family and I had spent a great deal of money to see and eat at the falls and yet God was taking care of one of his beautiful creations (the sparrow) as well.
Since 2005 I have journeyed through cancer, depression and the illness of other family members and a very close friend. The tonal scale “branch” in this artwork is symbolic of God and his omnipresence even though, at times, it seemed He might not have been there. Hence the subtle shadows observed in the textures background.
The bird and the small piece of see bread are symbolic, once again, of God’s wonderful provision in life.
Many who have seen me working on this work have commented on the peace they have seen in me as I painted and the peace they feel while looking at the work. The intention of this work has always been to show the continual peace and confidence I have in God as I journey through life.