That Night's Sky

The mixed media piece created from this photograph includes brush strokes of acrylic layers, adding texture to the image.

This photograph was shared in my Saturday nature email, "A Closer Look," on 12/20/25. It was sent amidst a holiday season recognized differently the world over, in which light and darkness and stars play a part. It also was the day before the solstice, marked everywhere.

The photo is also one that I had recently turned into a mixed media piece, applying brush strokes of clear acrylic layers. I did this in response to a call for entry for an art show at my church during the Christmas season: "Deeper Wells | Brighter Stars". Just before hearing about the call for entry, I'd had a conversation with an astrophysicist that created so much awe within me about the skies above. As I listened to him speak so beautifully about how vast and ever-changing the galaxies are, I couldn't help but wonder about God who made it all...about how far the heavens actually are, and about how incredibly beautiful the skies must have been that first Christmas night.

When I wrote the artist statement to accompany the mixed media piece, it actually formed itself into a contemplative poem. So, I share it with you, below.

This poem began as an artist statement for the mixed media piece developed from the photo, below. The poem developed into its own piece.

My Saturday nature email, "A Closer Look" encourages readers from many countries, backgrounds, ethnicities and beliefs to enjoy the beauty in nature, right where they are. I simply share photos and written responses to nature that can be enjoyed by everyone. This particular blog post, however, is a deeper reflection of my own ponderings as I contemplate my faith.

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