Artist: Ashley Hoth
Title: Creators
Medium: Original Oil on Panel
Size: 12'' x 16'' (18.75'' x 22.75'')
Artist Statement:
As I look back, I think I relate to seeing myself as the painting more than the painter. Perhaps out of an eagerness to follow God’s will, I found myself pausing, waiting for divine approval before acting on a heart’s call or trusting my innate knowing. I thought The Divine had the role of moving the biggest brushstrokes across my life, not myself. This humility isn’t wrong, but when it comes to how my own children see themselves, I very much want them to know that the brush is in their own hands. They have every right and authority to be creators in their own lives. We were created to create, and this image of Christ supporting this child, holding their supplies, encouraging them as they create something that only they can, was really healing to make. I love watching children paint. Young children paint with confidence and excitement that I hope to re-awaken in myself, and in anyone else who chooses to see themselves as the child in this piece. We are divinely supported in our efforts to be creators, too.