Nov
10
2020
Pass The Piece
Posted in Faith 6 Comments
For the past two years, I have gone to Hutchmoot, a creativity conference.
The past two Octobers, I flew on a plane headed to Tennessee.
I looked forward to my time there.
I looked forward to reconnecting with the people who have become dear friends.
I was looking forward to going again this year.
Like so may of us this year, my plans were cancelled.
There would be no flight to Tennessee.
There would be no reunion with people who are very special to me.
Then I got an email: Hutchmoot Homebound would be virtual this year.
Only 300 people are able to go to the conference in person.
However, since it was virtual and the cost was so reasonable, many others could take part.
This year 7,000 people were able to attend.
Of course, it is always better to experience Hutchmoot in person.
Thanks to so many who worked behind the scenes, everything was done excellently.
Speakers, concerts, and ZOOM sessions were scheduled all throughout the weekend.
I had my laptop all set up and told my husband that is where I would be spending my time.
At the in-person conference, an entire hallway is dedicated to art.
Each artist has their work on display.
Of course, pieces can be purchased.
However, the best part is getting to know the artists themselves.
One sweet young woman is an artist I follow.
I appreciate her work and even more, I appreciate her tender heart.
She is married with two beautiful children.
Somehow, she balances her art and her family well.
She came up with a collaborative idea.
Twelve artists were part of a group called, Pass The Piece.
One artist would begin a work in their medium of choice.
That piece would be sent to another artist who would finish it in their medium.
All this was done before the virtual conference.
We were able to watch the culmination of this collaborative effort.
For ninety minutes, we listened as each artist talked about the process.
We saw the way the piece began and the way it was completed.
I was in awe.
God created us for community.
This collaborative effort showed that is indeed true.
A piece was not complete without the other person.
The young woman who orchestrated all of this had another idea.
After the virtual conference weekend, she decided to continue the project.
This time, it would not be among the original twelve artists.
This time it was open to us.
A group was begun.
When all was said and done, 13o people wanted to participate in Pass The Piece.
I thought it was a wonderful idea, but hesitated to join since I am not an artist.
I actually asked if a writer could join, and I got a resounding, Yes!
After we officially joined the group, we were to sign up to be randomly paired with someone.
I had not done that part, but received a notification one night.
The notification informed me of a woman who lives in Canada.
She is a photographer and a graphic artist.
It was a random notification.
I did not understand why I received it.
It looked like this woman and I were paired together.
I sent a message to the sweet young woman who organized Pass The Piece.
She did not understand why I would have gotten that notification either.
I had not submitted my information that would randomly pair me with an artist.
I contacted the woman with whom I apparently was paired.
She could not understand the notification because she had not completed her submission either.
After messaging back and forth, we decided that our pairing was a good fit.
A writer and a graphic designer/photographer would be an interesting combination.
It’s a God thing, she wrote in one of her messages to me.
There really was no other explanation.
We both were excited to see what God would do with this pairing.
I called her one afternoon, being aware of the time difference.
We talked about our work.
We had so much in common, yet our skill set was different.
She sent me a link to her website.
I looked through her work and found two photos that spoke to me.
I wrote words that told the story of what the picture said to me.
She intended to take my words and put them on the picture itself.
She has begun to read my writing.
She took my words from a piece I wrote that touched her heart.
She chose a photo that captured what the words meant to her.
She designed a print that included my words and her image.
We worked well together, despite the fact that we are in different countries.
We hope that God may use our gifts for another collaborative effort in the future.
We are two women who love the Lord.
Two women who want to use the gifts that He gave us to bless others and glorify Him.
Our three prints have been posted on the official site.
My Canadian friend is getting prints made of our collaboration.
She intends to send them to me.
I will find a place in my home for them, reminding me of how God brought two artists together.
I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. (Exodus 31: 3-5)
Oh Gina, Thank you!!
This is so beautifully written. Thank you for partnering with me in this beautiful collaboration. It was such a blessing!
I love the verse you chose for this blog. It is perfect. God brought that verse to life for me, in November of 2000. It is a joy to allow God to breathe through our different giftings. Truly, He is the Lord of the dance. He weaves details together with such Grace and beauty. Blessings over you and those who stand on the sidelines cheering you on.
With joy, your Canadian photographer/designer Friend;
Lorna Rande
Lorna,
Lorna,
What to many may seem like a random pairing is truly God’s design.
What a blessing to work with you and bring your images and my words to life.
I truly hope that God will enable us to work together again for Him.
Blessings and joy from your American writer/ friend,
Gina
What a great idea! I’ve thought of putting scriptures over some of my paintings but haven’t explored how to do it. So glad you got to be with your friends even if it was virtually.
Sue,
It is delightful when God brings His people together.
He is always doing far more than we could ever imagine!
Gina
Amazing how perfect her photos are with your words! Do you know I am inspired by your flexibility and open this to try new things.
Paula,
God brought us together in a seemingly random way.
There are no coincidences with Him.
It was delightful working together.
Perhaps He will open the doors to more collaboration in the future.
Gina