Reflections from the Studios
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Flowing Oil
There are paintings that ask to be admired, and there are paintings that quietly invite us into conversation. Suzanne Fernandez's Flowing Oil is one of those paintings.
As I sat with this work, I found myself reflecting on the rich symbolism of oil throughout Scripture. Oil speaks of healing, consecration, refreshment, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Yet beyond its symbolism, it also reminds us that God often works gently, quietly, and persistently within our lives—like oil that seeps into every dry place, restoring what has become weary.
The longer I contemplated Suzanne's painting, the more it seemed to move beyond the canvas. Its flowing forms suggested grace that cannot be contained, love that continues to pour through seasons of uncertainty, and the quiet invitation to remain open to God's presence.
From those moments of contemplation came this first installment of Reflections from the Studios—a continuing series inspired by the creative lives and studios of Suzanne Fernandez and myself. Through painting, sculpture, writing, and Scripture, we hope to create a place where beauty becomes an invitation to pause, reflect, and encounter the presence of God.
If you would like to experience this meditation as it was originally shared, I invite you to watch the accompanying video on YouTube.
▶ Watch "Flowing Oil" on YouTube
My hope is not simply that you will learn something about a painting. Rather, I hope you will discover that beauty itself can become a form of prayer. Sometimes God speaks through words. Sometimes He speaks through silence. And sometimes He speaks through color, movement, texture, and light.
Thank you for joining us for this first reflection. We look forward to sharing many more moments from our studios—places where faith and creativity continue to shape one another in surprising and grace-filled ways.
Grace and peace,
Tomas J. Fernandez
Until next time, may beauty lead you into stillness, stillness into prayer, and prayer into the living presence of God.
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