Art Journaling Romans 12: Smash Book Background on a Budget
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service: (Rom 12:1 KJV).
Jan Paron | July 8, 2015
Reflections on Romans 12:1
The Apostle Paul wrote Roman believers in Christ encouraging them to honor God because of His manifold mercies found in grace from the fulfilled Savior (Rom 1-11 KJV). Even though Paul predominately addressed Gentile Christians, his message applied to Jewish believers as well for a spiritual standard pleasing to the Lord, a witness to the alive in Christ.
In Rom 12:1, Paul introduced living out one’s faith within community. He summoned Christians to present their "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God" (12:1b). Working in tandem with these actions of holistic commitment comes an attitude of "reasonable service" (v.1b), meaning in sacred service or worship (Thayer, 2009). Its totality requires, both then and now, a self-sacrificial spiritual nature to please the Lord.
While Paul’s words addressed conflict over purity between Gentile and Jewish believers, his message applies to contemporary Christians’ daily consecration in holiness and continual readiness for the coming eschaton. Individually, a believer must kill the deeds of the body through the Holy Spirit (8:13) to live in unbroken fellowship with God through Jesus Christ (6:13 AMP). Collectively, the Body must might present itself “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Eph 5:27 KJV).
As you meditate on Rom 12:1, reflect on “living sacrifice,” “holy,” and “acceptable.” How does Scripture define these terms--in purity, without blemish? What is the relationship between the deeds of the body and fellowship with God? To what extent do your spirit, mind, and body as a unified whole offer itself acceptable unto God?
When I started my Rom 12 journal, the Holy Spirit led me to one of my smash book pages. I couldn't wait to see where He'd go with it.
My smash book appears quixotic, often unpredictable. Like a junk drawer, its pages contain leftover paint, scraps, and assorted objects. Usually, I keep these pages on hand for mosaic pieces or Scripture card backgrounds.
I find three actions key to creating a smash book page: a mind free of page boundaries, limited rules for color combinations, and broad consideration of scraps for inclusion.
Random Artist Tools. I lean towards predesign, a plan. Despite the disposition, I paint at whim when smash journaling. One common technique arises from remaining with the last tool in hand from the previous page. The outcome reflects diverse looks and contrasting effects determined by the tools such as a brush, palette knife, cosmetic sponge, wax paper, Q-tip, bamboo skewer, fork, opposite page, glitter bottle tip, paper towel, or my fingers (Picture B).
Atypical Color Combinations. I have definite rules that govern my color palette. To grow as an artist, I decided to break them. At first glace, I saw several of the color choices as mistakes (Picture C). Some combinations clashed to me (Picture D). When I work on my actual pieces, the Holy Spirit always brings the colors together into a beautiful tapestry (Picture A). He is not a God of confusion.
After learning about smash book from Donna Downey and Christine Urias, I started exploring its potential. Smash book pages have become a regular part of my repertoire whether in a separate journal or in the journal of attention. The more I use smash book pages, the more I learn of new possibilities in art journaling.
I'd love to hear about your page innovations with smash book journals! Try one today.
Jan Paron | July 8, 2015
Reflections on Romans 12:1
The Apostle Paul wrote Roman believers in Christ encouraging them to honor God because of His manifold mercies found in grace from the fulfilled Savior (Rom 1-11 KJV). Even though Paul predominately addressed Gentile Christians, his message applied to Jewish believers as well for a spiritual standard pleasing to the Lord, a witness to the alive in Christ.
In Rom 12:1, Paul introduced living out one’s faith within community. He summoned Christians to present their "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God" (12:1b). Working in tandem with these actions of holistic commitment comes an attitude of "reasonable service" (v.1b), meaning in sacred service or worship (Thayer, 2009). Its totality requires, both then and now, a self-sacrificial spiritual nature to please the Lord.
While Paul’s words addressed conflict over purity between Gentile and Jewish believers, his message applies to contemporary Christians’ daily consecration in holiness and continual readiness for the coming eschaton. Individually, a believer must kill the deeds of the body through the Holy Spirit (8:13) to live in unbroken fellowship with God through Jesus Christ (6:13 AMP). Collectively, the Body must might present itself “a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Eph 5:27 KJV).
As you meditate on Rom 12:1, reflect on “living sacrifice,” “holy,” and “acceptable.” How does Scripture define these terms--in purity, without blemish? What is the relationship between the deeds of the body and fellowship with God? To what extent do your spirit, mind, and body as a unified whole offer itself acceptable unto God?
(Picture A: Finished Work From My Romans 12 Journal Layered on a Smash Book Page)
Smash Book Page Background
My smash book appears quixotic, often unpredictable. Like a junk drawer, its pages contain leftover paint, scraps, and assorted objects. Usually, I keep these pages on hand for mosaic pieces or Scripture card backgrounds.
I find three actions key to creating a smash book page: a mind free of page boundaries, limited rules for color combinations, and broad consideration of scraps for inclusion.
Freeing the Mind of Page Boundaries
(Picture B: Smash Book Journal Page for Rom 12)
Setting Aside Color Combination Rules
(Picture C: Smash Book Page Example 1)
(Picture D: Smash Book Page Example 2)
Considering Broad Selection of Scraps for Inclusion
Recycled Table Materials. An artist can spend a good deal of money on supplies. Being a good steward of God's provisions, I look for new ways to recycle materials rather than buy something additional. For example, I made a stencil from a tissue box and incorporated inked wax paper bits from my spray box to the Rom 12 journal and reflection pages (Pictures E and F). Then, I used this same stencil on a journal front by laying down gel medium over it on the top side and adhering it as a border to the back (Picture G). Also, I incorporated bits of wax paper on the journal cover.
(Picture E: Tissue box stencil and used wax paper scrap)
(Picture F: Inked wax paper and punchinella stencil on the reflection page for Rom 12:1)
(Picture G: Unfinished Journal Cover With Tissue Box Stencil--Left)
After learning about smash book from Donna Downey and Christine Urias, I started exploring its potential. Smash book pages have become a regular part of my repertoire whether in a separate journal or in the journal of attention. The more I use smash book pages, the more I learn of new possibilities in art journaling.
I'd love to hear about your page innovations with smash book journals! Try one today.
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