Spirit Lead Me

“Spirit Lead Me” is a phrase borrowed from a song by Hillsong united, an Evangelical Gospel Rock Band. This particular song holds a significant place in my heart, as it was one that I had the privilege to perform as a teenager at my beloved childhood church. The painting, much like the song, embodies the profound trust one places in their faith, serving as a testament to the unwavering belief in the guidance of a higher power. Parallel to the song this painting draws on the strength and power of the ocean, emphasising that the ocean’s force is as powerful and unavoidable as a higher power. The use of hues of ultramarine blue was a pivotal and intentional in the creation of this piece, chosen not just for it’s striking vibrancy, but also for its symbolic significance. Throughout art history, ultramarine, derived from the precious stone Lapis Lazuli, has been used to represent divine beings. Often used in depictions of The Virgin Mary as well as Jesus Christ as a boy. This piece holds a particular significance as it marks the first instance where I incorporated gilded beams of timber into my work. This stylistic choice is a conscious nod to the tradition of gilding seen in paintings and temples as a signifier of divinity. The juxtaposition of timber with the opulent gold leaf serves to highlight the constant interplay between the material and ethereal.