BETHANY TOBIN
“I am a wife, mother, missionary and visual artist based in Bangkok, Thailand. Being an artist is something I am leaning into as a call, believing that ministry, whether evangelism, discipleship or leadership development needs the nourishment of right-brained expression and embodied experience. Imagination and creativity are necessary tools given by God to this end. I long to create works that revel in the glory of God, ruminate on the richness of scripture, and evoke the emotional terrain of faith.
This group of images began as a reflection on Romans 8:19-23 “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.”
In Advent we touch the world’s travail and groan along with all creation, placing our faith in the work of Christ, and fixing our eyes on the hope of his return when all will be restored. “Advent” images Romans 8 with the earth as a pregnant woman, sitting in ruins, yearning for the coming dawn. These are big cosmic themes - but, then, surprise! God’s restoration comes through the intimacy of us being made God’s children - Adoption! In Romans 8:19 it is creation waiting for us – for our new adopted identity – to be the reality out of which we live. This is the sign of God’s work making all things new!
In “Adopted,” we see the international symbol of adoption, a triangle and a heart, representing the restoration of family. While “adoption” is not normally an Advent, Christmas or Epiphany theme, this is the point of Christmas: through Christ, we are adopted as children and creation rejoices in the beginning of its redemption.
“Christmas” is a patchwork star shedding its wonder on a gathered family. The broken fragments of a pattern are put back together into a coherent whole.
“Epiphany” visualizes the central Epiphany theme of the revelation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. The red cloth unfurls as Father God’s banner of love over Jesus.
Works are mixed media paper collage with drawing, stenciling and digital photography elements.