Faith through Art: Art can speak to a viewer on many different levels

By Sue Kemp | Guest Columnist

Art speaks to us through our senses and emotions. The expression, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is especially evident in how the viewer ‘sees’ the world through art. The written word can be interpreted and misinterpreted just as readily, which is why one should not take for granted that they have been understood, or quickly assume something is accurate, if it appears on social media. As the written word inspires us, so do the visual arts through the artist’s brushstrokes, the sculptor’s hand, the craftsman’s design and the feeling the art conveys to the viewer on a personal level.
It may be the subject matter, the images portrayed, past or present life experiences or perhaps disinterest or skepticism that influences each particular viewer. Color temperature may bring the viewer warmth and the feeling of comfort, where as a disarray of shapes, color and images may evoke excitement or fear just as the tone and choice of written words. The artist shares his or her inner thoughts and it is up to the viewer to interpret them.
I am drawn to many subjects as a watercolorist, and three of my sacred works of art are included in the permanent collection of the Austin Diocese Pastoral Center, including a portrait of St Francis of Assisi. Other pieces were influenced by my travels to Europe, which had either a fine art or choral performance focus or cathedrals and monasteries I have visited.
As a young widow of the Vietnam War, I was also drawn to patriotic themes and have created several versions of the American flag, Statue of Liberty, and the American eagle. All are driven by my passion for liberty and freedom and my empathy for those who suffer.
In my painting, “The Torch,” a 22-inch by 22-inch watercolor, soft grays serve as a transition from the blues to the boldness of the red and white stripes. Lady Liberty lifts her torch to light the way while clutching a book of laws, as the eagle takes the opposite position, while also representing the ideas of freedom and liberty. I included the stars in a circular pattern to unite the composition.
Hopefully, most of us made it through 2020 without permanent scars or loss. However, many have not, and the pandemic is long from over. Our country has remained divided and those of us who have faith in God have called his name often during our times of need and uncertainty. I personally have kept a journal over the last year, which includes my thoughts, prayers and more than 75 watercolor sketches. As Children of God, we ask the Lord to open our eyes, so we may see his face and be his hands, here on earth.
Sue Kemp has been painting for more than 35 years and is a parishioner and choral singer at St. Theresa Parish in Austin. For more information, visit suekemp.com.