Melanie Weidner: Artist's Statement

I am a Quaker contemplative artist and spiritual director. My work inspires spiritual reflection and encourages others to explore creativity and prayer.

I started making drawings and paintings long before I lost my first tooth, yet more than twenty years passed before I began to understand the deep connections between art and spirituality. While studying for ministry, God surprised me with the life-giving power of art-making as an expression of prayer and relationship. Now I see clearly that human creativity reflects the Creator's Spirit, and that my particular creative call must include art.

My art rises out of my be-ing, my soul, my connection with Spirit/God/the Holy One-- shaped by my life experience, Quaker spiritual practice, poetry, and love for reverence of all kinds from many traditions. My images reflect personal prayers, life’s passion and wrestling, and explorations of spiritual aspects of our lives and the Universe. I hope all will inspire your connection to Spirit’s wild abundance and transforming love.