Poeima

Poeima
©2018 Ruth Borges
16”x40” Acrylic on canvas

I noticed the glowing orange and yellow abstracted figure in the upper half of this painting a few months after it was completed. I had experimented with color and movement with no intention of hinting at anything remotely figurative. But there it was. I love how the figure's vivid hues express a vibrant energy flowing throughout. Not everyone might spot the figure. I hope the cropped section below helps:

I saw the shape of a three-quarter profile figure boldly stepping forward, filled with tones of yellow and yellow-orange. I usually associate these colors with the Holy Spirit, so I interpreted the figure as a person filled with the Holy Spirit, cultivating and enjoying an ongoing vibrant relationship with God. 

I titled this painting "Poeima". It’s the Greek word the Apostle Paul used in Ephesians 2:10 to describe those who are in Christ: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." The Greek word for workmanship is poeima, from which we get the word poem. Have you ever thought of yourself as a poem? As I researched other bible translations, I found some of them use the word handiwork. Another one, the New Living Translation, uses the word masterpiece. Have you ever thought of yourself as a masterpiece? Definitely, there will be days when we won't feel like either one at all, but that doesn't change God's plan and purpose. He abounds in love and compassion all the more, meeting us where we are with open arms to help us overcome. In a previous post I mentioned Jude 24, which describes God as one who "is able to keep us from stumbling and present us without fault and with great joy.” Wow, without fault and with great joy? Sounds like a masterpiece to me. We will be gloriously transformed according to Philippians 3:21 (NLT): “He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control.” I could never paint anything that might remotely hint at what God's gloriously completed work in those who love Him would look like in heaven. But here on earth, my 16”x40” painting reminds me that by His power, I can live a Spirit-filled life, one that reflects His character and thrives with purpose. The process is not always easy. At times it’s frustrating, it even seems impossible. Yet, overtime, I’m able to see how patiently He’s been forming and shaping me as His poeima. He’s brought me through very difficult seasons, teaching me to take Him at His word, and proving Himself faithful time after time.

Below is the YouTube link to “Canvas and Clay”, a beautiful song by Pat Barrett I found last year that resonates with my painting’s theme. I think you will love it.❤️

Canvas and Clay