Creating is my primary spiritual practice: a rediscovery of faith through the process of art making. My creations hold memories and significance and are an impetus for personal reflection. As I work, I feel a deep “knowing” of my own creative spirit. In many ways, the textures, objects, and art materials I use are not only echoes of my memories but also a way of connecting “who I was,” “who I am,” and “who I am becoming.” This journey of creation exists in a state of liminality, where the boundaries between the past, present, and future blur, allowing for transformation and growth. In this way, my art becomes a way of building altars—sacred spaces where these intersecting moments can coexist. With each creation, I am rediscovering faith, not just in the act of making, but in the belief that through art, I can transform the ordinary into the sacred and light myself a path forward. Through creative acts, I hope to rediscover my own faith, find moments of connection and reflection in a disconnected world, and explore the divine conversation that art makes possible.
Instagram: @Alisa_Clark_Art
In She Shines Radiant Red, I capture Mary’s passion with vibrant red hues and LED lights, creating an ethereal glow. This piece alludes to Christ’s sacrifice, portraying Mary as a spiritual vessel, reflecting her profound devotion to God despite knowing her son’s fate.
She Glows from the Inside Out depicts Mary contemplating the journey from the annunciation to Christ’s birth. A lamb, adorned with a red splash, waits at Mary’s feet while symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice and our atonement. White LED lights glow from within, emanating warmth, mystery, and wonder, encapsulating Mary’s inner reflection, devotion, and grace.
She Lights Up the Night bathes Mary in a soft blue LED glow, symbolizing her faith and purity. This piece radiates her power, lighting up her surroundings even in darkness. Mary embodies calmness and serenity amid the troubles and uncertainties ahead, her ethereal glow a beacon of hope and faith.
These three assemblages collectively explore different facets of Mary’s spiritual journey and the profound emotions associated with her role.
She Shines Radiant Red captures the intense passion and sacrifice intertwined with her devotion, using vibrant red LED lights to symbolize Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. In She Glows from the Inside Out, the focus shifts to the contemplative and mysterious aspects of her faith, with a lamb symbolizing Christ at her feet, and warm white LED lights emanating from within, highlighting the wonder of the annunciation and birth. She Lights Up the Night completes the narrative by showcasing Mary’s serene strength and unwavering faith, as a soft blue LED glow symbolizes her purity and ability to radiate calmness and hope, even amidst darkness. Together, these works portray a nuanced and layered depiction of Mary’s spiritual essence, each piece illuminating a different dimension of her story and her enduring influence. –Alisa
