The 'Covenant' was commissioned by Bristol Cathedral to be an interactive art installation during their Advent services in the lead up to Christmas. The installation of wheeled feet on the base of the painting enabled easy movement and separation of the two 8x4ft painted panels. The movement and adaptability of the image enhanced the titles metaphor, and enabled participants of the services to interact with the paintings symbolism and reflect on how this related to them. In this way, the painting facilitated the practice of Physical Prayer.
The process of painting the Covenant was very intense. I created a time lapse film of the painting as it was made, enabling an animated final piece to be produced. To achieve this, I had to paint quickly in order to keep the paint wet and moving. Due to the size of the boards this was extremely physically demanding. The painting took 2 long days to complete at my studio space in Joseph Studios. The finished result was the creation of both a physical piece of work, and a digital film that could be engaged with either independently or together. The animation and overall theme of the painting was based on the following vision. MB 2025
“I remember experiencing a most vivid dream. I was in an intensely light-filled environment: the brightness of the light was physically painful, and it seemed to penetrate every part of my being. Simultaneously there was a sound, or many sounds at once, it was overwhelming; a bass that created deep vibration and a piercingly sharp tone all of which emanated from the light. I felt transparent to the light and sound. The power, energy, vibration and brightness were unbearable, and they rendered me paralysed. I was terrified. My only response was to drop to my knees and remain as still as I possibly could. I sensed that if I moved even slightly, I would explode into a millions of pieces under the force that was pulsating through and around me.”
“From the centre of this light, I started to see a shadow form growing towards me. The shadow took the shape of a man. Once the shadow had fully formed the shadow began to stand, no longer being the projection of another being but somehow the shadow itself becoming a person. As soon as the form of the man was clear to be seen the atmosphere began to change: I sensed a deep love and peace around me although the sense of being transparent remained. I was no longer afraid. I knew immediately that it was Jesus standing in front of me. He walked towards me, and we began to talk. I woke up, my whole body shaking from the experience and reflected on its significance.”
Darkness
Light
Covenant - acrylic on board
'Covenant' being used during services over Advent at the Bristol Cathedral