Exhibition

“New Life” is a response to the possibilities as we begin to emerge from the pandemic that brought many things in our lives to a halt in 2020. Enjoy the first 21 artworks from the exhibition in this post. The second half of the exhibition can be seen here.

**Mariangela Bonasia-Lewis**, ***In the Beginning …***, acrylic, diptych,each 90 cm x 60 cm

Mariangela Bonasia-Lewi : Artist Statement

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.” Genesis 1. 1-4 (NKJV)

God speaks His new life into the chaotic void of our lives. His light illuminates the depth of our souls and His Spirit fills us with His goodness and grace to overcome the deepest darkness.

“For it is the God who commanded the light to shine out of the darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6 (NKJV)

**Juana Bernardo**, ***New Life Beginning***, watercolour, 51 cm x 61 cm

**Juana Bernardo**, ***New Life, New Beginning***, watercolour, 51 cm x 61 cm

**Juana Bernardo**, ***New Life, New Country***, acrylics on canvas, 46 cm x 35 cm

**Jennii Gould**, ***Rivers in the Desert***, artist’s book, 12 cm x 16 cm x 3 cm

**Jennii Gould**, ***Victory of the Cross 1***, paper weaving, 45 cm x 60 cm

**Jennii Gould**, ***Victory of the Cross 2***, paper weaving, 45 cm x 60 cm

Joy Harris: Artist Statement

Pentecost

This is a symbolic painting on two levels in that not only has Christ’s death and resurrection given us the opportunity for new life, so this painting has emerged from the texture of a previous painting. From my biblical understanding, Jesus came to show us the nature of God and the Cross shows the extent he was prepared to go to show his love; in that no matter what people did to his son, his visible likeness, he would still love them. The flames at the foot of the cross and gifts of the Spirit rising on the incense from the flames are symbolic of the Trinity.

**Rosemary Hennii**, ***The New Covenant***, water-mixed media,29 cm x 42 cm

Kerry Holland: Artist Statement

Visitation II

It is inspired by the consideration of the three months that Mary and Elizabeth spent together…the intimacy of conversations about the table.

Table cloths have been central to conversations and mark memories of many layers of sharing food together. We seem to all do coffee now and the cups at the bottom suggest Mary and Elizabeth considering all that has taken place and all that is to come. This is part of my exploration of the Visitation theme.

**Kerry Holland**, ***The Visitation III***, 4 ceramic pieces, 25 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm

**Marcelien Hunt**, ***Bloom of Night White Lily***, oil, 100 cm x 100 cm
(Representing the resurrection of Christ)

**Marcelien Hunt**, ***The Poppies***, oil, 40 cm x 30 cm
(The inner child of an adult who wants new life)

**Jennifer Long**, ***Exodus***, solvent image transfer & ink on BFK rives paper, 46 cm x 60 cm with 2 rice paper and waxed vessels on etched aluminum.

**Jennifer Long**, ***Exodus***, (detail)

Jennifer Long: Artist Statement

Exodus

“Exodus” is part of an ongoing work about the metaphor of “flight”. A response to the plight of refugees worldwide, their flight from war and terror, their journeys of escape and imprisonment, and their mass exodus often over water, has left a lasting impression. As a descendant of Jewish emigrants who fled Russian pogroms and found peace and a future in Australia, I use birds and nests to symbolize freedom and new life, vessels as both body and craft, and feathers to suggest ephemeral and fleeting moments.

Jennifer Long: Artist Statement

The Floating World

My work is about memory and place. Objects collected, fragments, recurring motifs (nests, towers, boats, tangled and weathered forms), suggest past history and family stories, the landscape and global stories. Aflight, afloat and immersed, turbulent narratives are evoked but there is also calm, new life and safe shores hinted at.

Laura McDade, Spring, Summer, Arise, A4 photograph in A3 frame

Laura McDade: Artist Statement

1. Spring 2. Summer 3. Arise

1. Spring. Spring is my favourite season. It makes me feel that life is full of possibilities. Flowers bloom, leaves grow and creatures are born, so we are constantly reminded of God’s creation.

2. Summer. A hibiscus is big, bold and larger than life. It transports our imagination to the tropics. It reminds me of the size of God’s love for us.

3. Arise. Marigolds burst with life with their rich orange hue. We create a new life when we arise to a challenge. God is waiting with safe, open arms, as we take a leap of faith.

**Dianne Minnaar**, ***Lily of the Valley***, acrylic glazes and gold leaf on timber, 50 cm x 60 cm

Dianne Minnaar : Artist Statement

Lily in the Valley

Lilies bloom in the deepest valleys and they may even grow up among thorns. The greatest virtues are born in the deepest valleys of life. The lily of the valley is a gentle, tall and strong metaphor of Christ.

I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. Song of Solomon 2:1 (NKJV)

Dianne Minnaar: Artist Statement

Resurrection

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.”

John 11:25 (NKJV)

Dianne Minnaar: Artist Statement

Seed of Faith

He said to them, “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)