Suitable Truth

Gallery show and video project at Dordt University, sioux center, Ia

October - December 2022

Artist Statement for Suitable Truth

Stephanie Lael Barrick

Ever since original sin, clothing has covered the human body in shame because of sin.  However, The Bible also tells us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 13:14, ESV) “and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24, ESV) This not only brings glory to God, but it also helps us in our earthly life.  When we “put on the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11, ESV), we are equipped for all that will come against us. 

So how do we get dressed?  We invest our time and attention to studying the Word of God.  Ask the Holy Spirit for understanding as you study.  This body of wearable sculptures was created to encourage you to spend time in the Scriptures.  Look for the truths of The Word in each design.  See how the truth can be observed, interpreted, and applied in our daily lives.  This application, living out what you learn from God, is how we wear Truth.  God’s Truth is Suitable, able to be worn, lived out.  So, suit up!  The truth looks good on you!

Ephesians 6:10-18a

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

Visiting artist at Dordt University

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dordt University. It is truly a place where God is respected and given proper position. I have never been so understood as an artist than while talking with Sculpture Professor and Gallery Director David Platter, my host. I worked with Platter’s art students and Mark Volkers’ Digital Media students to make a video featuring my wearable sculptures, worn by Dordt students. It was so much fun shooting the video at several locations, on and off campus, as well as in front of a green screen.

Thank you to David Platter (left), Sculpture Professor and Gallery Director, who invited me and was a spectacular host. Thank you to Mark Volkers (right and below), Digital Media Professor who graciously used precious class time and beyond to make t

Thank you to David Platter (left), Sculpture Professor and Gallery Director, who invited me and was a spectacular host.

Thank you to Mark Volkers (right and below), Digital Media Professor who graciously used precious class time and beyond to make this video project happen.

Day 1 of shooting with Mark Volkers and his Digital Media students. God provided sunshine and wind at the right times.

Video shoot

Dordt University students worked as models, actors, dressers, videographers, drone operators, transporters, troubleshooters, and helpers with all kinds of needs.

Below - Shooting video of “Blueprint For Life” in front of a construction site on campus

Below - Shooting video of “Direct My Path” in the library and “The Trade” in a local junkyard

Below - Shooting video of “Power From The Throne” in the library

Below - Shooting video of “Moses Robe” at a park a few miles from campus

Below - Dressing and shooting video of “Knowing Evil” at a nearby park

Below - Video shoot for “Washed, Water, Word” at a nearby park

“Suitable truth” Gallery show

Above - “Blueprint For Life” has voluminous detail that is significant to understanding the content. Therefore, photographs on metal of each of the 16 blueprints that make up the skirt of the dress are displayed on the wall for easier viewing. To actually read the biblical text that swirls around in symbolic design, a book is available with the type in normal reading format.


Below - “Hemmed In” was installed in the Student Center with the hem of His robe coming down from heaven and filling the temple.

Hemmed In

Hemmed In is inspired by the vision Isaiah had when he was called to be a prophet.

Isaiah 6:1-3 (ESV) In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV) Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

The title Hemmed In is sort of a paradox because the phrase usually means “backed into a corner”, bound, restricted. But here Christ’s hem represents the power that won every battle, the power of the resurrection! So, with that Hem power in us, we have the “freedom” to obey God, resist temptation, boldly proclaim His Truth! We can live freely, “hemmed in” with God’s resurrection power!

dordt unIVERSITY NEWS ARTICLE

“Suitable Truth" unites disciplines

Sioux City Journal newspaper article

Wearable art sculptor brings Bible-inspired artworks to Dordt University (siouxcityjournal.com)

extra blessings

Below - Left to right

Thank you to Chad Postma of Dordt Maintenance for his extra measures of help to install “Hemmed In” in the Student Center. Thank you to David Lammers who was sent by God to help me repair shipping damage to the “Hemmed In” figure. Thank you to Yovica Alethia, Gallery Assistant, for her manifold service before, during, and after my visit. And thank you to Cool Hand Dalton, Gallery Assistant, for help with the gallery show.

Below - Sculpture Class Casting Day

The Sculpture class happened to do a metal pour while I was visiting! I was very impressed that a college Dordt’s size had such wonderful sculpture equipment and facilities as well as a professor with the knowledge and skill to use it well and teach the students.