Visio Divina for women: Thursday, June 17

There is a famous saying that, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach” well one person who this certainly does not refer to, is the very gifted Lisa Hutchinson, who apart from being a talented organic artist, she is also the art teacher at Bishop Anstey High.

Lisa lives the life of the modern day catholic woman. Married, mother of a two year old boy, and although she is originally from Glencoe, she now lives in Cunupia but she still attends the parish of her first communion and confirmation which is St Theresa’s in Woodbrook.

Lisa said, “You only realize your purpose through prayer”. It is prayer, and the response to God’s call in her life that is responsible for Lisa being such an accomplished artist today. “I used to hear Gods voice in my ear all the time. I still do.” Lisa shared that after she completed her ‘A’ levels exams that she thought she wanted to study law, but at the very last minute Lisa switched to art. “I believed that it was something that God wanted me to do”. Although it took some maneuvering she was eventually accepted to study Art at the University of the West Indies. “I firmly believe that everything I create is done through the Holy Spirit”. Lisa also credits God for all her inspiration “I see God as the greatest artist. I am absolutely in love with nature. I call what I do, organic abstract as all my pieces come from nature.”

Lisa confessed that during the last year she was very confused and angry with God. “In the midst of the Covid19 suffering I was not in a good place emotionally or spiritually I was somewhat angry with God because I could not understand why he was allowing all this pain, suffering and death, but now I have to believe that God is in control. And I have to let everything unfold”.

Lisa’s works of art, are really one of a kind, she uses acrylic paints, but integrates kite paper, Swarovski crystals and spray paints in her pieces, and refers to her work as organic. She shares her joy in being part of the team with her co worker Leona Fabien that painted the outside of St Francis of Assisi church in Belmont. She said even though it is not her work but it is that of the students, she feels immense joy because “I was baptized there”

Lisa has had numerous exhibits throughout the country including the Mt St Benedicts, Fine Arts and at the Art society. But she maintains that because all that she does is a gift from God she has found that the best way to give back is by making her pieces affordable so that the ordinary man can have a piece of art in their home.

We would love to get your feedback on this Visio Divina piece.

Visio Divina (Latin for “divine seeing”) is a method for praying with images. Through Visio Divina we invite you to see beyond first and second impressions, and even beyond your initial ideas, judgments, or understandings. Our hope is to create a connection to the divine through local art. So here is how we are going to do it.

Set aside 20 minutes in the day for the guided prayer experience

1. As you begin to prayer take a few minutes to open your heart and mind to God.

2. When you are ready, slowly look and notice the image, taking your time to let feelings and thoughts come to you as you take in forms, figures, colors, lines, textures, and shapes. What does it look like, or remind you of? What are your initial thoughts? What feelings are evoked?

3. Now, return to the image with an open heart and mind again. You may now experience new thoughts, meanings, and feelings. Start, exploring new meanings and feeling that come to you associated with the image. Be aware of any assumptions or expectations that you bring to the image. Regardless of your response to the image — delight, disgust, indifference, and confusion — contemplate prayerfully the reason for your response and what these responses might mean for and about you.

4. As you go deeper in this prayer, open yourself to what the image might reveal to you. What does the Spirit want to say, evoke, make known, or express to you in quiet meditation? What are your feelings, thoughts, desires, and meanings evoked by the image and how they are directly connected to your life?

5. Now, take the time to respond to God. Jot down in a journal the insights you want to remember, actions you are invited to take, wisdom you hope to embody, or any feelings or thoughts you wish to express. Bring your prayer to a close by resting in God’s grace and love. Please email us as at forwomen@catholictt.org on the impact this activity may have had on your day, and be sure to share the artist’s image on your social media feeds.

Source info: https://www.patheos.com/resources/additional-resources/2009/07/praying-with-art-visio-divina.