Figures for the Liturgical Year: Jason Marta, painter
GALLERY SHOW:
THURSDAY, 10/10, 5-8PM
GACE GALLERY (400 E PINE ST, SUITE 215)
Over the past (liturgical) year, Grace Seattle member Jason Marta has made paintings for display and use during our congregation’s times of worship. At Grace, we follow the church calendar, which is a way of ordering our worshipping life around the biblical narrative of salvation, starting with Christ’s birth (Advent) and culminating with the descent of the Holy Spirit into the world (Pentecost). The church calendar separates the year into a series of seasons, each with unique themes, moods, and scriptural emphasis.
For centuries, the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost have provided artists (often commissioned by the church) ample inspiration and framework to create amazing and awe-inspiring artwork. Works inspired by the church calendar connect the head and the heart to the biblical story in very powerful ways. Artwork encourages deep meditation, connection, and an appreciation and wonder for the mysteries of God. This is why we’ve worked with artists over the last few years at Grace Seattle to create artwork based on the themes and moods of the church calendar. The hope is that through these pieces, our congregation will be more connected, rooted, and inspired the biblical story and the wonders of God.
I met with Jason several times over the past year to talk about how he wanted to use his paintings in our worship at Grace. I brought scripture, themes, and ideas that the church was planning to focus on for each season and then let Jason get to it. I intentionally didn’t want to give him too many parameters because I respect his work and wanted him to feel fully supported and comfortable to bring his voice and perspective to us. The paintings that Jason produced over the past year have been absolutely wonderful, and I know they have benefitted our congregation greatly.
A few weeks back, I sent Jason (A man who lets his art speak more words than himself, haha!) a few questions about his art and what it’s been like over the last year. Below are his responses:
Has using the frame-work of the church calendar to inspire your art made you approach your work differently in any way from work you’ve done in the past? If so, how?
Not too much. I like to research themes, colors, and shapes for all the work that I do. A lot of sketching and exploring is involved to prepare for the final paintings, for any subject matter.
When creating, do you find yourself thinking (or worrying!) about people’s perception of your painting, or is your vision and process unaffected by your “audience”?
Yes, I do think and worry about people’s perceptions of my paintings. I blame my ego.
How has this experience affected you spiritually?
It has led me to paint more honestly, wildly and freely, and to explore the mysteries of my faith.
Your paintings for this project have centered on the use of lines and light in a cohesive (yet varied) way. Can you elaborate on why you chose to do this or your inspiration behind the idea?
Using lines was a simple method to show perspective, motion and shape in a dynamic and impactful way. I like that they also appear to continue on eternally. I used light to represent the Christ.
Who are some of your favorite artists (painters, musicians, writers, photographers, etc…) that you’re inspired by?
My inspirations are quite varied: Hilma af Klint, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Gregory Crewdson, Martin Schuler, Richard Rohr, Beach House, and I enjoy studying maps, and aerial photography.
Now that the church calendar is winding to a close, we’ll be having a gallery show of Jason’s work on Thursday, October 10, from 5-8pm at Grace Gallery (400 E Pine St, Suite 215). The show is part of the Capitol Hill Art Walk, so I’d encourage you to make a night of it and come check out Jason’s work and then explore the neighborhood and all the other shows going on!