Epiphany art at Christmas is a chance for “a moment of sudden revelation or insight.” I made Epiphany art at Christmas because this season has always been full of wonder for me. Every year, I am surprised by how little the gifts have to do with it. The trimmings and the songs are what riveted me as a child, and these are the things that still allow me to transcend what’s “fluff” and experience the things that make my soul sing at Christmas. I had a paper songbook filled with Christmas songs when I was a kid. I’d spend hours banging them out on the piano. I had little musical talent, but playing the songs gave me great joy anyway. The most powerful moment was when I would be woken on the eve of December 24th. This always happened in the very late evening. I would be led down the stairs to see (for the first time) the tree decorated, surrounded by gifts, and brightly lit: overwhelming beauty and blessings. The piece de resistance would be the singing of Silent Night. We’d all stand in front of the tree and sing this song together. We were terrible singers, but we never cared. There was something so beautiful in this moment, and it overtook all the imperfections. I weep over it all as I write this- in a wonderful and grateful way. Behind the door in this 3D carboard creation is the tree, the lights, and the song. By painting it, I remember it all. I can imagine opening the door and seeing all the splendor. Every Christmas, I find a way to make this wondrous “epiphany” happen again. This year, creating “Silent Night” lets me remember the joy of the past and reexperience it. On this Christmas Eve, we will all sing yet again. This, I trust, will make new memories for me to paint and reexperience. Each year, my greatest gift is receiving a new “silent night, holy night” to capture and remember. This year, epiphany art at Christmas lets me remember and prepares me to receive.
I made this relief painting to capture my memories of past silent nights. This required a journey back to my childhood. It required me to remember where it all happened and to imagine how it looked, felt, and influenced me. The tree, the star, and the songs are worked into this piece because they were the strongest memories of the beauty of past Christmases. I am so glad I took this journey to the past. I have returned with peace, joy, and a sense of gratitude. How lucky I was to experience such joy. How lucky I am to recreate that joy through my “Epiphany Art” at Christmas. It lets me bring that joy into the present moment.
If you remove the religious symbolism for “epiphany” the definition can be “a moment of sudden revelation or insight.” Knowing this, what would your “Epiphany Art” look like? We can all take a journey to discover a moment of insight or revelation regardless of our spiritual beliefs. Consider discovering, creating, and sharing your personal “Epiphany Art” and then tell us about the revelations and insight you glean. Maybe you don’t have memories of silent nights, trees, or stars, but you have memories. Make some Epiphany art at Christmas. Please let us know what you remember and learn on this creative journey.
Click here to read a book about the creative journey.
https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Doghouse-Sharing-Presence-Everyday/dp/1439247145
Click here to learn more about the artist’s journey.
