Etchings on Biblical Themes by Joan Bohlig

From the Artist

"I began this series at a time when personally I was not getting much satisfaction out of life as a mother, wife and homemaker with art degrees. I began taking evening classes and earnestly praying, asking God to show me something to do to make my life seem worthwhile. With praying came watching for possibilities. 'The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' was sketched on my church bulletin during a sermon on that theme. It was used in my etching class for the first of these biblical etchings. The second was a different size and shape. With the third etching using a biblical theme, the possibility of a unified series became apparent. Shortly thereafter, all etcher's materials and an ancient press became available through an artist's estate sale. Since then we have built a home with an art studio between the house and garage. The antique press is gone and two modern presses serve well. The prayer has been upgraded to ask God to work through me and use me. I believe He is doing this and that His hand is also in this work."

Annunciation

Artist's Statement "These etchings are an attempt to make something which might have a positive effect on the lives of those who live with them. This is my nonverbal witness. They also allow owners to make a statement of the importance of God's work in their homes. I like to think they have a life and work of their own as they go forth being honored by carrying God's Word." About the Exhibit The etchings in the exhibit are not so much pictures of events in the Bible, but rather illustrated happenings that speak directly to the viewer. The techniques and colors used to create the etchings are intentionally traditional. There is an attempt to capture the flavor of some of the literary styles and techniques used in biblical writings: naivety, mirror images, directness, analogy, parallelism, repetition. Each piece in the series is consistent in size and scale so that individual etchings can be combined in any number to make a larger visual statement.

EXHIBIT PIECES

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Mt 7:13-15 Scapegoat, Lv 16:21 Adam and Eve, Gen 3:11 Lion, 1 Pt 5:8 Parable of the Sower, Mt 13:3-23 Flight to Egypt, Mt 2:13-14 Thy Wonderful Works, 1 Chr 16:8-9 Spider's Web, Jb 8:13-14 Behemoth, Jb 40:15 Annunciation, Lk 1:18 Whatsoever A Man Soweth, Gal 6:7 Bear and Doves, Is 59:11-12 Rushes and Flags, Jb 8:11-13 Sparrows in the Snow, Mt 10:29-31 Great and Terrible Wilderness, Dt 8:12-18 Vine with Foxes, Jn 15:4 Sheep Among Wolves, Mt 10:16 Fully Interlocking Puzzle, Rom 8:28 Tree of Life, Rv 22:14-15 His Yoke is Easy, Mt 11:29-30 Cock, Mk 13:35 Peaceable Kingdom, Is 11:6-9 Corn, Mk 4:26-28 Grass and Flowers of the Field, Ps 103:15-18 Good News Shoes, Is 52:7 Full Tithes, Mal 3:10-11 He is Risen, Mt 28:5

Vine with Birds, Jn 15:5 Noah's Ark, Gn 9:12 Lost Sheep, Ps 119:176 Chosen, Jn 15:16-17 Nativity, Lk 2:7 Going Somewhere, Jos 1:9 Treasure, Mt 6:20-21 Love, Jn 13:34 Heart, Soul, and Might, Dt 6:4-5 Houses, Jos 24:14-15 Heavens, Ps 19:1-2 Circle of the Earth, Is 40:21-22 Ends of the Earth, Is 40:28 Stars, Is 40:26 Ask, Seek, Knock, Lk 11:9-10 The Measure, Mt 7:1-2 Milkweed, Is 6:8 Double Treasure, Mt 6:19-21 The Earth is the Lord's, Ps 24:1-6 Wise Men Seek Him, Mt 2:1-11 Flowers of the Field, Is 40:6-8 Tree Planted by Water, Jer 17:7-8 Frogs for Pharaoh, Ex 10:1-2 Words of My Mouth, Ps 19:14 Prodigal Son, Lk 15:11-15 Farm Garden, Jas 5:7-8 Shepherds Find Him, Lk 2:12-16