With this interview, the Journal begins a series of conversations with religious thinkers in all the arts. One purpose of the series is to highlight the depth of thought that goes into a painting, a sculpture, or other artwork. Many artists attribute their inspiration to an understanding of their relationship to God, and feel that they are celebrating the symphony of beauty, color, shape, and form that makes up the universe. These conversations will explore how prayer and spiritual listening can be essential ingredients in the artist's work.
In our first conversation, contributing editor Hazel Joynes speaks with Gillean Whitaker, the artist, and John, her husband, from Cheltenham, England. Gillean won her first national painting competition at the age of four. Even then, color intrigued her. Throughout her life, Gillean's artwork has been a constant search to capture and portray light and the relationship of different colors to each other. Gillean has works in collections throughout the world and has exhibited in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions in London, as well as in numerous other shows. Included with this interview are two of Gillean 's works.
John has supported and encouraged Gillean's art over the years in every way possible. He describes her work as "a celebration of life and goodness. "
