The Birds of the Air
This is the one that started it all. I recall creating this piece some years ago during an “art party” with some friends. We basically got together one afternoon brought our art supplies and created pieces while hanging out. This piece, and the positive reaction to those who view it, became the source of inspiration for what has become my “Drawing the Word” series. It is based on the Parable of the Mustard Seed, told by Jesus found in the Gospels (biographies of Jesus) of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. A parable is a story that includes common knowledge and metaphors which Jesus uses to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is like. In this parable Jesus compares God’s kingdom to a mustard seed, something very very tiny, but from that small seed grows something great and large, a tree. He ends the story by saying this tree grows “so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches” (Matthew 13:32). This story is often interpreted as a metaphor for the growth of Christianity and the church, that from a small group of followers it would grow into something great, with adherents among the billions found around the world today. It is also sometimes interpreted as a metaphor for faith, that our faith starts small and grows over time.
“The church and God’s realm is one where those seeking shelter find it...”
I offer an additional interpretation to this story. I choose to focus not on the size of the tree but its purpose: to provide a home and shelter, just like those birds who make nests and find shelter in its branches. My drawing features a large bird as a reminder of this purpose: the church and God’s realm is one where those seeking shelter find it. The church ought to be a home in which people are protected and thrive. I chose the style of stained glass to create this image to honour the beauty and craft of stained glass found in many churches and other places of worship. When you read the parable what image comes to your mind? What parts of the story would you draw?
