A painting series about Psalms in the making? The story of why I became an artist.

Juna Franka
Aug 4
2 min read

I never had the intention of being an artist! It was the last thing on my mind.

Maybe some of you already know that I follow Jesus.

Why is this important?

It changes everything in my personal life of course, but I also wouldn't be an artist if it wasn't for God.

About 3 years ago I had the absolute urge to start painting. It was a difficult season and where I usually expressed myself through writing, I had writer's block and felt like I had no words left.

Abstract color field paintings based on the Bible to encourage and uplift.

I also was absolutely sure I could NOT paint! The urge, however, was so big that I - a recovering perfectionist and people pleaser - just didn't care but bought a canvas and paint anways.

I started painting day and night, listening to music, moving my body.

It became a way of expressing myself, of healing, of encouraging myself and finally others. It became vital and I can't believe how I was guided on this path the whole time.

The words I often write on my paintings come to me as a way of letting God speak. I think we are His beloved children and He wants to encourage us in this difficult time and world.

What are Psalms and why make a painting about them?

The Psalms are a collection of songs/poems in the Bible. and they have some of the most beautiful encouragement, portraying real suffering and sincere hope.

When I was at church last week, I got the idea of making a painting about Psalm 126.

Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee.

They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow, but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!

That day I created two paintings.

They are not put on stretcher bars yet (so a little wrinkly) and I haven't written the words on them yet, but this is what they look like and and I couldn't wait to share them with you.