![\"SusanPietsch\"](\"http:\/\/www.visionaries.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/SusanPietsch.jpg\")
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Susan Pietsch’s work, “Bloom”, is acrylic on canvas, 120cm x 90cm<\/p>\n
Artist Statement:<\/p>\n
Lent is a journey. One in which you are invited to \u201cgive up\u201d something as a way to fast over 40 days. Often people choose something they like to do, eat or drink to \u201cfast\u201d from but what if you gave up something that brings you pleasure but others pain? Things like the joy of being always right, the delight in being superior to others, the pleasure of pointing out the faults of others\u2026 Things that you may say, \u201coh, that\u2019s just me\u201d and smile as if that will smooth over the hurt caused.<\/p>\n
Just choose one. One guilty pleasure of belittling others to \u201cfast\u201d from this Lent. Instead travel hand in hand with Christ, dropping the stones of self-righteousness, and perhaps in 40 days you will find a Christ-like nature blooming in you.<\/p>\n
The painting \u201cBloom\u201d depicts a version of this journey. Strawflowers were chosen to represent blooming in Christ because they are \u201ceverlasting\u201d. The journey is not straight forward because no journey of self-transformation ever is. The path is up and down and fairly rocky as change does not come without effort and a bit of pain. But you are not alone in this journey, if you look closely at the painting you will see Christ is holding your hand.<\/p>\n