Marked and Sealed

So I had this dream a while ago where I was just standing in worship, in the presence of God, and He and I were talking. He reached down and touched my chest with a finger that burned like clear fire. I wasn't conscious of myself until that moment when He touched me because all I could sense was Him. He started to trace His name on my chest and while He was tracing a fire started to stoke under my ribs. The name He traced was both a seal and a window into the furnace my chest had become.

This painting is a work in progress. I haven't painted the fire (within the writing) or even the backdrop because I honestly have no idea how to approach either right now. I'll post an image once it is done though.

I didn't want the genesis of this new season of artmaking to be comprised of self-portraits but this painting is appropriate for a good reason. My artwork previous to God's stirring in my life was an expression of disappointment with both myself and the world around me - my artwork always described a "lack". But, now with clear eyes and dropped burdens I'm living a life of adventure and freedom within the kingdom of God. With a corrected vision of God's character, of absolute love and power and dominion, all I can dream of painting are the visions He's giving me. None of them have to do with disappointment and the weight of loneliness. This image is appropriate for a beginning because it starts with His name marking me for His service.

I have a number of paintings I'd love to start but I need models to help me out... I'm not going to do another self-portrait anytime soon! If anyone is willing to pose for some photos for me I'd be eternally grateful. At present I'm in need of some willing souls...