Last year, I gave away 120 small (5x7” and 6x6”) original collaged paintings to mostly strangers via social media. The idea emerged in church on Ash Wednesday, pondering if I thought I could actually succeed in “giving up” something for Lent. Instead, I focused on something positive and paid it forward with art — in a sense, tithing art to individuals to spread a bit of light into the lives of others. Originally, I planned to give away 40, one for each day of Lent, but it quickly became apparent that this was not God’s plan. I needed to create more because there seemed to be so many people who related to the message of the art. I intuitively knew it wasn't because I gave these gratis.
The recipients were thrilled, but the gift from God to me was the peace and excitement that I experienced creating them. Colors, shapes, and forms flowed effortlessly with an indescribable creative energy. Burning the midnight oil was easy, and the crosses became a spiritual experience that benefitted others and my soul. It was as if the power of an unidentified spirit fueled my work, coupled with numerous stories that strangers poured out to me as to why they needed courage. Each cross was mailed with this enclosed note and an easel to display the art.
As an artist and a colorist, I gifted myself with the time to explore and create small color studies incorporating mixed media and texture. The idea emerged into what I call “courage crosses.” Simply put, abstract art echoes the image of a cross that reminds us of how we ALL need courage . . . in life’s good times and challenging times. Take that next step forward, and another, and one after that. Trust that God will show you the way and open the path for your journey. With COURAGE!
A little history: I painted my first courage crosses in 2013 after having a conversation with my sister, Jenny, who can run circles around almost anyone on any day in quoting scripture. She enCOURAGED me to take that step of exploring more abstract art and that maybe starting small would be smart. I had so many new directions that I wanted to push toward. The rest is history. Now, my large abstract paintings hang in homes all over the country. One step, one door opened and with enCOURAGEMENT and faith, I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed.
Next up for Amy: Finding a way to scale Courage Crosses to meet demand and publishing a book of her work. Find her at amydixonfineart.com
Tithing art: spread a bit of light into the lives of others.