“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption & obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies…And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Grace Mantle: “Garden of Roses”
About
Grace Mantle is an American artist, currently specializing in multimedia art (embroidery, paper, fabric, wood, silver leaf, metal, beadwork, cyanotype, paint). She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (painting & fiber arts, theater costuming) from the University of Oregon in 1995. She apprenticed with the late sculptor A. Bruce Hoheb of NYC, & studied fine art in Europe. Grace currently resides in Idaho with her young daughter.
Statement
My life has been transformed by the healing power, grace, & mercy of Yeshua, Jesus the Christ. I am committed to using my skills in service to Him, with the intention of blessing individual hearts & my country as a whole.
My current work is an outgrowth of a theme I have re-created as long as I can remember…the ever-opening flower. Growing up homeschooled in the beautiful, green, mountainous Applegate Valley of Southern Oregon, I was deeply immersed in the beauty of nature. My artist mother told me, “You can see the face of God in the eye of the flower”. I would peer into the center of the wildflowers for long, contemplative moments, seeking to glimpse the Creator. I later turned away from the Christianity of my childhood, seeking meaning through New Age/Wiccan/earth-goddess pagan practices & the pursuit of pleasure. Ultimately, that path led me back to the need for the redemptive power of Christ. He personally called me back to his own, as one of his lost sheep. I have found peace in the ever-emerging fountain of his Living Water, that is… the nourishing, life-giving, healing beauty of his presence.
During the Easter 2023 service of my beloved Anglican church, I was filled by visions of creating the “Garden of Roses” series of multimedia sculptural works, based on the radiant flower pattern that has been with me always. Each one is a profound meditation on the Holy Presence & Divine Mercy of Yeshua, Jesus the Christ. His body, blood, & living water are symbolically represented, surrounded by adoring Seraphim giving him the glory & honor he deserves. I know that the vision the Creator holds for our country is both precious to Him & unique to the world, and the “Series A roses” are also a prayer for the United States of America. I am called to re-create this same meditation on the flower of God, with variances in design, for the rest of my foreseen time as an artist. I will create a “Garden of Roses” .
May the peace of the Risen Lord be with you!
