Rainy season has begun here in Vancouver and this month’s painting is about water. Hope you enjoy the story behind “Planted by the Water”!
A little bit of history: Before I started my art business, my father-in-law was already commissioning artwork from me. Being a well-connected individual, he knew many people he wanted to encourage and he thought my art would make a great gift. For the first three years of Olive Chan Art, he commissioned paintings from me to gift to good friends and supporters of his non-profit work. This piece was one of those gifts. For each of the paintings, I would have several conversations with him to find out more about the recipients and brainstorm what type of image would be most meaningful to them.
The friends who were to receive this painting had a special connection with Nigeria so I chose an image from that country. I found a beautiful reference photo by Irantiola, Olugbenga (@guzeartworld_photography) on Instagram and contacted him to ask if I could use it. Thankfully he replied yes. The image is of Lake Iseyin in Ado Awaye, which is nestled among mountain rocks. It is one of only two suspended lakes in the world (the other one is in Colorado) and people hike an hour up the mountain to go see it.
According to the photographer, this lake always retains the same water levels regardless of how much rain there has been. I love how this tree has flourished because it is right by the water.
I titled this painting, “Planted by the Water,” in reference to Psalm 1 that describes a flourishing that comes from being deeply rooted in God. My prayer for the recipients was that this painting would remind them of the Love that is the source of life.
For those with the Scripture calendar
The painting this month is paired with Ephesians 3:17-18 which says, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Although the roots of the tree are not visible, the result of having deeply watered roots is evident. I hope this can be a visual reminder to us of our own roots in Christ’s love and that we can experience flourishing as well.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Take a moment to imagine the roots of your soul sinking into the love of God, what does it look like beneath the surface? Now reflect on your “branches” and “leaves” – are you looking and feeling hydrated and nourished? If so, take a moment of gratitude. If not, is there something that needs to change?
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As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!