Strokes of Witness
The Strokes of Witness exhibit showcases the eight pieces in A Mattingly’s Chrismon Series. Her thoughts behind this series were to take the symbolism of the traditional white and gold Chrismon decorations that adorn trees found in church sanctuaries during the Christmas season and paint them in bold, non-traditional colors. The symbols themselves are painted in a variety of settings depicting both modern and Biblical times. She added one painting to the collection each year. As a bonus to this exhibit, two of her other faith-based paintings will also be on display.
The stories behind the paintings...
Chrismon Series
Star of David, 2015
The Star of David above the head of Jesus represents Perfect God and Perfect Man. Other symbology is the blood red color for the blood Christ shed, royal purple for Christ our Chrismon Series
King, and rays of gold and silver symbolizing the support and love of God and the Holy Spirit shining on the baby Christ. The tree has but one gift under it . . . the baby Jesus. He is all anyone needs.
The Flame, 2016
Psalm 119:105 is the first of several verses that wrap around the flame creating a halo in the darkness. Christ is the bright shining light in our darkness. Christ wants to be our guiding light.
Dove of Peace, 2017
The dove with a partial halo over its head represents the peace, purity, and innocence of the Holy Spirit. We most often think of the dove descending on Jesus at his baptism. With the Holy Spirit in our lives, new beginnings and new possibilities are possible for each of us.
Cleanse Me, 2018
The shell with drops of water represents Baptism. When baptized in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are purified from our sin. Our old life is exchanged for our new life as we are admitted into Christ’s family through the act of Baptism.
Then and Now, 2019
The ichthys symbol is typically used to signify one’s affiliation with Christianity. Ichthys is the Greek word for fish. This symbol was used by early Christians as a secret symbol to distinguish friends from foes. Christians in many parts of the world today still need the ability to identify their Christian brothers from those who wish to persecute them.
Christ Anchor (US 5150 N 2020), 2020
Given the year this painting was stroked on the canvas, many will understand the US 5150 N 2020 name. But we mustn’t forget the anchor of Christ in the painting. No matter the craziness in our world, with Christ as our anchor we can withstand any storm that comes our way.
Isaiah 11:1, 2021
Do you see the cross rising from the Jesse’s stump? Christ’s branch is growing from the roots, producing the grapes for the wine that will one day represent His blood shed on the cross for our sins.
Passover Lamb, 2022
The ultimate Passover lamb wrapped in swaddling cloths, blemish free, and placed in the manger was the baby Jesus. Christ would live the perfect life before being the final sacrifice for sin.
Bonus Faith-Based Paintings
Missing Peace, 2016
Puzzle pieces shaped like people have always intrigued me. I wanted to use this shape to represent the peace that can be missing from our lives. When fighting battles with loneliness, fear, sorrow, or rejection we can be in a blue mood. But in those unexpected moments when there is no fathomable reason why we should be filled with such joy, the passion of God can be felt running from our soul, to our heart, and all the way to our toes, changing our blue mood into the blueness of contentment. Joy emanates from His vein running through, creating inner peace and tranquility as joy warms and soothes our soul. In the presence of God, earthly problems become small when compared to His love for us.
My Rock, My Refuge, 2021
Comfort can be found in 2 Samuel 22:3, “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” God, our rock, protects us from the gale winds and storms that are blowing our way.
The stories behind the paintings...
Chrismon Series
Star of David, 2015
The Star of David above the head of Jesus represents Perfect God and Perfect Man. Other symbology is the blood red color for the blood Christ shed, royal purple for Christ our Chrismon Series
King, and rays of gold and silver symbolizing the support and love of God and the Holy Spirit shining on the baby Christ. The tree has but one gift under it . . . the baby Jesus. He is all anyone needs.
The Flame, 2016
Psalm 119:105 is the first of several verses that wrap around the flame creating a halo in the darkness. Christ is the bright shining light in our darkness. Christ wants to be our guiding light.
Dove of Peace, 2017
The dove with a partial halo over its head represents the peace, purity, and innocence of the Holy Spirit. We most often think of the dove descending on Jesus at his baptism. With the Holy Spirit in our lives, new beginnings and new possibilities are possible for each of us.
Cleanse Me, 2018
The shell with drops of water represents Baptism. When baptized in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are purified from our sin. Our old life is exchanged for our new life as we are admitted into Christ’s family through the act of Baptism.
Then and Now, 2019
The ichthys symbol is typically used to signify one’s affiliation with Christianity. Ichthys is the Greek word for fish. This symbol was used by early Christians as a secret symbol to distinguish friends from foes. Christians in many parts of the world today still need the ability to identify their Christian brothers from those who wish to persecute them.
Christ Anchor (US 5150 N 2020), 2020
Given the year this painting was stroked on the canvas, many will understand the US 5150 N 2020 name. But we mustn’t forget the anchor of Christ in the painting. No matter the craziness in our world, with Christ as our anchor we can withstand any storm that comes our way.
Isaiah 11:1, 2021
Do you see the cross rising from the Jesse’s stump? Christ’s branch is growing from the roots, producing the grapes for the wine that will one day represent His blood shed on the cross for our sins.
Passover Lamb, 2022
The ultimate Passover lamb wrapped in swaddling cloths, blemish free, and placed in the manger was the baby Jesus. Christ would live the perfect life before being the final sacrifice for sin.
Bonus Faith-Based Paintings
Missing Peace, 2016
Puzzle pieces shaped like people have always intrigued me. I wanted to use this shape to represent the peace that can be missing from our lives. When fighting battles with loneliness, fear, sorrow, or rejection we can be in a blue mood. But in those unexpected moments when there is no fathomable reason why we should be filled with such joy, the passion of God can be felt running from our soul, to our heart, and all the way to our toes, changing our blue mood into the blueness of contentment. Joy emanates from His vein running through, creating inner peace and tranquility as joy warms and soothes our soul. In the presence of God, earthly problems become small when compared to His love for us.
My Rock, My Refuge, 2021
Comfort can be found in 2 Samuel 22:3, “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” God, our rock, protects us from the gale winds and storms that are blowing our way.