I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

by Ania Bond (Stroud)

What does I Am the Light of the World depict?

It depicts a light bulb, containing an illustration of the world inside it. It is a modern and somewhat literal depiction of the Light of the World – a minimalist and simplistic take on the well-known Bible verse John 8:12. I tried not to overcomplicate the piece. I wanted it to pique the audience’s interest. It is not the usual way people imagine this to look; I wanted to take a unique approach to the piece. The use of a light bulb portrays the domestic use of light. God not only lights up the world, but also our lives. The light bulb is also used to show how an everyday item is sometimes overlooked, but if it wasn’t there we would struggle to see clearly when the sun goes down. This represents the need for God in our lives.

How was it made?

The piece started off as a pencil sketch, which I developed into a painting. However, I fell in love with the simplicity and minimalistic feel the drawing gave off. I decided to develop the drawing into a fineliner piece, incorporating the quote around the image.

I started by drawing the outline and shape of the light bulb, then the detail of the continents of the world inside the bulb. I added lines around the outer edges of the bulb, giving it a rounded feel. You could always go over the drawing in fineliner or a darker pen, then rub out the pencil lines, or trace the image on a fresh canvas. I developed this further into a watercolour painting on a book page.

What inspired it?

God speaks to me through my art, feeding me artistic thoughts and ideas. I was gifted with a talent to connect people to God through art. I am able to convey his message through the thing I love to do most. Artistic expression and worship of God can be accomplished through all works of art. God can speak to us through art, whether that is our own work or someone else’s.

Art is meant to challenge and intrigue the audience. God speaks to me through planting the seeds of ideas, which inspire me, and what I create.

Art can speak to anyone, regardless of their religious views. God can use art as a means to deliver his message. Connected and communicated, the artist and their piece.

I Am the Light of the World is part of Volume 2 of Drawing Closer, available to download from salvationist.org.uk/ resources

Do you have a piece of art to share inspired by your faith? Email it to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration.