Painting with rocks and soil.
This is how one of our VMC church planters honours God and loves this world.
Along with pastoring at Nordegg Community Church with her husband Dave, Crystalynn Tarr is an artist.
As Crystalynn explains in a CBC article, the thing that bothered her was that she was relying on synthetic acrylic paints to capture the beauty of the created world. It didn’t seem to fit. Or as Crystalynn says, “I felt this really weird disconnect and that bugged me, but I really didn’t know what to do with it.”
After some exploration, she started to experimenting with making and mixing her own watercolour paints from the soil and rocks around her. Who knew the answer was literally right in front of her?
Just a few weeks ago, it was exciting to hear that the County has approved a development permit for Crystalynn’s art studio in the basement of the church. The church is a local historic site and the town of Nordegg is a busy one over the summer months as tourists flock to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Not only is the art studio a beautiful working space but it is a way for Crystalynn to practice her God-given gift, live her convictions about God as Creator, and to engage with others around art and faith.
I can imagine God’s delight as Crystalynn discovered the generosity of God in this unique way.
And I can imagine the surprise and intrigue as local residents and tourists learn more about natural pigments and eco-art.
May they wonder at the respect and appreciation shown for the created world.
May they marvel at the graces beneath their feet.
May they even catch a glimpse of the beauty of God.
*Photo credits: Crystalynn Tarr @ Rendered Earth
For more info: Link to CBC article
Link to Wild Pigment Project article