I find myself painting moments. Often it's a flash in time, a capturing of a few seconds that is relatable to the one who is experiencing it. Though that brief happening of impact is documented, it may never happen again.
There is power in it. It is a stamp, a bookmark, even a monument worthy of remembering because it encourages and reminds us that moments of power and courage exist. It has been experienced and can happen in a moment when it's required.
This is the mood of one of my latest paintings entitled "Quickening"
A beautiful definition of "Quickening", rooted in faith, refers to coming alive, to revive, or invigorate.
How God, through Jesus, brings us from spiritual death and darkness into life. He gives us strength and renews us through the Holy Spirit and the beautiful life giving word of God.
This word also refers to the moment a woman feels those first flutters of life, her baby, in her womb. It's life! It's hope! It creates an anticipation of something beautiful. The physical evidence that something amazing and beyond us is happening.
This is the story behind the art and the creation of "Quickening" Thank You for taking the time to read this post.
Blessings to You, T
Tina Lawver is an artist and creative living and working in the Atwood Lake Region in Ohio.
Giclee (ready to frame sizes) prints of this and other works are available or can be ordered. See Prints
As I have my coffee this morning, the sun is coming up and, again, I realize how truly blessed I am. A healthy, reflective, morning ritual that has become life giving to my artful heart.
Shades and tints of blue and orange have become a standard as I create art. Influenced by these moments in the early morning, I'm quite sure.
It has been an incredible Summer in many ways.
I've just completed the final outdoor art show for this season and I'm looking forward to 3 exciting Christmas Shows, 3 weekends in November.
We've spent sweet hours walking along beautiful Ohio shores collecting treasures in order to create one of a kind ornaments and the driftwood Santas that I offer every year. This year I'll have some of the most beautiful and interesting pieces I've ever had the privilege to work with. Respecting that the process started in nature, I get to bring it into the studio and make it into something more beautiful for your home and for you and your family to enjoy.
I'm so excited to create for these Christmas Shows!
With the end of the fine art show season, new art and printshave been uploaded to the website. I hope you'll consider them for gifts and for your home for this Christmas Season and that I'll see you at one of these uniqueeventsin November 2025.
In creating art for you, whoever you are, the visuals most often come from where I am in my own walk. Each brushstroke, color choice, and line work together to create a story that you may relate to as we travel through this crazy life together.
This life is busy and we all have information whiplash as so many bright shiny objects whiz by our heads on a daily basis.
Being human, we are drawn to belong. We are attracted to what we believe will satisfy a need or a longing...even ones we cannot find words to describe. It's tangible though. It's just there even if we can't put our finger on exactly what it is or why there is an unsettledness we are experiencing.
"Drawn to You" II
The draw may be a community of beautiful people we want to be a part of. Maybe it's a trend made popular through social media, a design, or a surrounding that makes us swoon. I mean, they are called "Influencers" for a reason.
The new hot thing captivates and we find ourselves experiencing an attraction at the smiling faces and seemingly authentic moment depicted in a snapshot that leaves an impression on us.
Maybe it makes you feel a bit on the outside of what's "in" or irrelevant in some way.
I've been there. I shrug my shoulders and giggle because I was there yesterday.
I may be there again tomorrow.
And so "Drawn to You" came to be
"Drawn to You" I
I marvel at hummingbirds and their attraction to vibrant, fragrant flowers and they, at first glance, seem just to be flying and hovering over this beautiful thing that holds this irresistible draw. They look so perfect together. It looks so right.
Haven't we been attracted to images of moments like that?
Yes, "perfect"...perfect moments, images, situations. Comparison tempts us to ask...Do our lives look like that or live up to that?
...and why do we care?
The thing about nature is that there is a uniquely designed purpose to this "drawing in", one that is fulfilling. An attraction that makes sense.
There is sustenance there. This gives these sweet, delicate creatures, the hummingbirds, energy and life. It's real and authentic. It has a purpose that is for the good, health, and growth of the hummingbird.
As an artist, seeing and visually communicating the parallels between nature and human nature through art, the symbolism for me has a subtle significance as I look forward to hummingbirds returning to our area in a few weeks.
...and so discernment + wisdom begs the questions...
Is that "thing"( whatever that is) that I'm drawn to, something that is shaping me in a way that is for the good?
Is that friend group, this relationship, life giving or life sucking?
What about that habit? It's fun. It's bright and shiny and attractive, but how is it contributing to my spiritual or physical formation?
I've been asking these questions and more, having these conversations with fellow ponderers.
Simplified, maybe we ask....
Is what looks like "life", the attractive and shiny...is this full of sustenance for us?
Is what is drawing us in having a positive + purposeful impact in our health and growth?
We don't see hummingbirds in tobacco fields or junk yards. We see them in bright beautiful gardens with nectar rich florals. It's their nature + design. It's pretty simple and straight forward for them.
We, as human beings, have a purposeful design as well, but our attractions and distractions can be difficult to navigate in the world full of so much information. A honed discernment rooted in truth is so necessary as we make our choices.
I wonder if you are wondering too about what draws you in and what you may be hovering over right now?
Yours,
"Drawn to You: series by Tina Lawver
Tina Lawver is an Ohio based Artist/Designer creating original works in her home studio. Her offerings can be experienced at shows and in galleries.
Her art journey began 37 years ago and she continues to be a life long learner exploring the harmony between nature and human nature.
