3 minute read
Chenell Duncker
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Dreaming has been part of my life since I was a young child. But I’ve only recently partaken in it and used it as a source for my creativity. A processing platform and an encouragement to dig deeper in what God has for me. Through dreaming, I’ve encountered the character of who God is, the Father heart and the adventure that lies within God’s Kingdom.
‘Journey Through the Secret Place’ is a poem I wrote during my final year as a design student. Looking back, I realized I can’t explain my creative journey better than this poem.
My dreams play a big role in my creative journey, as this is a place of no limitations and boundaries. It has given me endless creative possibilities. It is a place of exploration. Dreams are just one element that plays a role in my creative journey, but it has definitely been an important one. Creativity for me is a lifestyle and adds colour in the midst of the grey. A way in which we experience more of God and His nature.
‘There is no introduction because none is needed. This is not about me, but about Truth A creative space A real place A home for the orphan Hope for the lost This is not a story It is reality’
She is a friend of Dream, But what is that really They may call her strange But her eyes have beheld Marvelous things This is not a story, But reality
Curiosity consumes as wonder grows Inspired to take in everything before her Empty spaces waiting to be filled By the glory which He beholds But soon very soon All mysteries will be revealed Selah A moment A pause Eyes closed Letting go of one world and entering another Taking in a breath The rhythm of the night starts beating to her heart As she abandons herself She falls into the dark of the night Trusting that He will catch her And be by her side Every step of the way
Taking her hand as she sleeps He slips her away into the adventures of the night With her heart she shouts and calls upon her Creator Excited to see what adventures awaits A journey to the deepest of sacred places A place with gold and things of the old Treasures yet to be discovered Unseen to the world
As anticipation peaks, she takes a leap Into the unknown A place for the brave and bold Taking the first few steps She reaches a view of what’s been told Stories of the old
As she looks into the eyes of the night She enters a world of thoughts As she walks Sometimes she’s called to be a warrior Picking up her armor, fighting for the promises at stake Fighting the battle of the night Sometimes she’s called to invite people in Sharing the promises, the future beholds She reaches out and grasps the final destination A place of hope Knowing it is not for nothing A safe place Her home space
Even if you’ve seen the unseen There is still much more to be discovered. But only in time, His time
Through my journey I’ve realized a couple of thingswhich are important for me as a creative.
My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘source’ of my creativity. We are bombarded with creative ideas through many platforms and therefore it’s easier to create ‘2nd hand creations’- grabbing inspiration from others and creating similar work. I’m not saying it’s wrong to be aware of others’ work, but to just depend on them is not the best solution.
That’s why it is important to seek God first, through scripture, places, nature, dreams, conversation and research. To be creative is so much fun. I think I’ve always placed such a ‘perfect expectation’ on what I’m creating that I lost sight of the journey. For when I create, it’s an invitation to create freely as God watches over your shoulder, excited to see what you do next. In this, I have the freedom to create and design from a place of peace.
My creative journey has definitely been anadventure, but I know there is still lots to discover. •
Chenell graduated from Stellenbosch Academy in 2018 and is now working and living in Jeffreys Bay. She is blessing to the worship and creative ministry at Victory Church.
