Dorris Commission:  Bound Together

48x48 inch painting "Bound Together" in the studio, May 2014



 

    Recently I was asked what my typical commission is like.  Honestly there is no typical commission.  Most, however, are interested in a color scheme or a spiritual theme from my website.  Some have a Bible verse or a favorite hymn to reference.  Some simply admire my work and would like me to come up with something to go along with their fabric swatches and paint chips.  Each one, though, it special and memorable...and a creative challenge. 

    Shown above is a painting that was delivered this weekend to sweet clients in Athens, GA.  They were interested in work that resembled colors and styles of a few of my former pieces and were especially drawn to the spiritual theme behind my "threads" paintings.  These pieces are about how the Lord is sovereign over all of the details of our lives...weaving them all together according to His will. 

     I came up with the title to this piece while reading through my Bible.  To me this painting is about how God's sovereignty binds people together...how he uses our relationships to grow us and encourage us and nurture us.  I found some passages in Colossians that speak about this nicely.  From it's words,  "Bound Together" became to title to the painting.

     "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." 

Bound Together, May 2014