Author: Fragments of Light

The Power of a Single Flame (Part 2)

When she picked up that first dying man from the gutter, there was no possible way she could foresee the masses across the globe whose lives would be saved. She only knew the fire in her bones could be alleviated no other way. And so she started rescuing, one-by-one, the last and least of the…Read more The Power of a Single Flame (Part 2)

The Power of a Single Flame

What began as a tiny subversive flame in a single heart now rages across the world. First, though, there was a choice: remain in the comfort and familiarity of a religious life, or cast her lot into the teeming chaos of impoverished streets beyond. The flame burned too hot to keep. She quietly shut the…Read more The Power of a Single Flame

Choice of the Muse (Studio Update)

FOUR CHAIRS SERIES: After much curiosity as to which painting Danielle would choose, the muse for the series selected Chair #2. PRINTS & ORIGINALS AVAILABLE: Limited edition giclee prints of all four chairs as well as two of the original paintings are now available in my Etsy shop: Fragments of Light. SHINE LIKE STARS: Without a doubt, the Shine Like Stars exhibit…Read more Choice of the Muse (Studio Update)

Four Chairs, Part 4

I believe what we can see is only a dim reflection of true reality. I think of the work of an artist as one who reaches into the invisible; tugs out little threads of color, pattern, texture; and weaves them into a language visible to others. Artist Paul Klee put it this way, “Art does…Read more Four Chairs, Part 4

Four Chairs, Part 3

This chair, I killed. Once I reached the version pictured in the last photo below, it seemed finished but it just didn't "feel right." I could not stop poking and prodding (process not pictured) until it simply sputtered and died: Knowing that sometimes my best work emerges from ashes (surely a living parable for circumstances in life), I refused to give…Read more Four Chairs, Part 3

Four Chairs, Part 2 (Magic)

I've always believed in magic. I suppose it isn't surprising when I think about my Irish grandmother, Margaret (O'Laughlin) Ferguson, known to many as “Mickey.” Whenever I visited her home, brightly colored kitsch-art gnomes peered out from shelves scattered around her living room. Who knows but that they came to life at night and followed her…Read more Four Chairs, Part 2 (Magic)

Four Chairs, Part 1

I've been conjuring, killing, and resurrecting chairs for a couple weeks now. I imagined them to be as vibrant as the person for whom I am painting them. When she commissioned a piece, she simply requested "a chair." But just a simple chair will not do for this artistic soul - no, it must be on the verge of…Read more Four Chairs, Part 1

Shine Like Stars Interview

I don't mean this irreverently, but I really think God is laughing at me. In January 2015, I wrote down a prayer request as I continued my art journey. I asked the Lord to “open doors to speak to more people.” Now, I most definitely did not mean “speak” literally. I've come a long way…Read more Shine Like Stars Interview

Joy to You!

"Weeping endures for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5b As I reflect on 2015, I give great thanks for all of you who gift joy to me with your presence on the journey. From dear, life-long friends and family members who continually walk beside me, to people I've never met who faithfully comment on…Read more Joy to You!

Peace

This cracking, bleeding orb hurtles through space, and I am only a tiny, imperceptible pinprick of yearning somewhere on its spinning surface. I've never craved peace so urgently. My own pulse of longing seems to merge with a collective sigh of all colors and creeds, like black exhaust fumes spurting from an ancient, lumbering, rusty vehicle. From…Read more Peace