Visio Divina – Lent 2023

Choose a piece of art from the images below. You will focus on that artwork using the following guidance.

Center yourself by taking a deep breath and relaxing your body as best you can. Allow your shoulders to lower away from your ears. Let your arms rest in your lap and let your feet be fully supported by the floor. Feel the weight of your body held by the chair. Spend this time in quiet. Open yourself up to God’s voice.

Take a deep breath in and out. Continue breathing deeply as you read the image. In this moment, simply notice the visual qualities of what you see: colors, line, shape, form, space, and texture.

Now, take a deeper look. What parts of the image are your eyes most drawn to? What parts of the image did you quickly brush by or overlook?

And now, use your imagination. Imagine yourself in this piece. Where would you be and how would you interact with what surrounds you? Look at the figure(s). What story do you assign to each of them? What emotions would you give to them?

Finally, observe your own emotions. How does this image make you feel? Read the artist’s statement linked below for the piece. Do you identify with the artist’s reflections? How does hearing the artist’s statement influence how you see the art?