First of all, let me tell you that I am a self taught artist. Except for an art appreciation class in high school and a 3 hour (one hour per week) free class taught at Bear Creek Community Center regarding an introduction to the linocut art form, I have ventured into this field with God-given talents. That being said, I have always been interested in creating and appreciating art.

The one and only nearby girlfriend I had when growing up in the countryside of Wisconsin was artistically inclined and together we drawed, sketched, colored and painted various objects as a form of play.

My parents moved to Texas when I had just turned 13 years of age and except for occasionally dabbling in artistic endeavors, this part of my personality was put on temporary hold.

My career...that of becoming a registered nurse took me on another path...but I always appreciated art. When time permitted, I occasionally painted and created things for our home and my husband's office. Most of my paintings have been given away through the years to friends and relatives.

To satisfy my own curiosity, I wanted to learn about linocuts and relief printing. My husband and I had collected some old etchings through the years, and I merely wanted to become better educated regarding the subject.

After I had created a few linocut prints by hand, they were noticed and I was invited to start utilizing an antique press at the Museum of Printing History in Houston for the printing of my linoleum cut art prints. I happily took advantage of this opportunity and was able to show people touring the establishment how these antique machines could be utilized while producing my artistic expressions.

One day a person from St. Matthew's congregation wandered into the Museum of Printing History and noticed a framed print that I had created of her church that was hanging on the wall in the gift shop. She contacted me and long story short, they now have the rights to utilize my art print in their church bulletins; cookbook cover, and however else they wish to use the linocut image that I created.

My now good friend Lisa asked me to tell her what inspired my creation of this particular print. Truthfully, this is not easy to answer.

After I started creating linocuts, naturally I was seeking objects or scenery that I thought would be suitable subject matter. Although I have created some of animals, I have always been drawn towards appreciating architecture. Building designs are not only unique by way of height, width and pattern, but also by use of various elements utilized in their construction. My Dad had been a builder and I always loved seeing the different designs.

Churches, in general, are often fascinating structures tending to reflect the aspirations of the supporters and attendees in directing one's soul towards a higher and better elevation of life whether in our mortal bodies on earth or after we have shed this shell and are enjoying eternity.

Examples of some parishes that did what they could to embellish their churches without having much in the way of money when first constructed are the Painted Churches near Schulenburg, Texas. The insides of these very simple exteriors are transformed into wondrous thoughts of God and eternal life with the ingenious use of paint. From marbleized columns to lush greenery to cherubs emerging from lily-like flowers...all need to be viewed in person to be fully appreciative of the fact that this form of beauty was accomplished by talented painters.

More affluent churches often have more elaborate exteriors, and St. Matthew's fits that category. What I particularly liked and represented with my art was the juxtaposition of the different roof lines, the tower and the arches that seemed to tie it all together.

Imagine, if you will, folded and praying hands being represented by the arches. Yes, the sheltered walkways with the arches protect people from inclement weather such as rain or searing sun. These arches could also be likened to the Body of the Church offering protection to it's parishioners by way of being united in prayer.

From the folded praying hands (or arches) to the wings of the church forming different angles, these could be symbolized by various people and families that have come together to form a cohesive whole in sharing a common religious experience.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church was designed by noted architect Joseph Walter Northrop, Jr. and began it's life as the First Congregation Church in 1927. Mr. Northrop, Jr. was a former president of the South Texas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, but all of this I did not know when I was first drawn to noticing it's beautiful exterior.

Of course the large spreading branches of old live oak trees that adorn this part of the city just north of the Museum District also helped to provide St. Matthew's with a framework of natural beauty.

Hopefully this will answer my friend's query as to why I created a linocut of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Houston. Art is definitely in the "eye of the beholder" and this is my unique perspective and personal symbolic meaning of her church home.