“Divine Inspiration”, the 95th Anniversary Exhibition of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators took place in York Minster from 3 – 18 September 2016.
Judith Porch had an amazing piece in the exhibition entitled “Monolith” which she hoped would surprise and intrigue. Here is what she said about it:
“Is Divine Inspiration within you? Or is Divine Inspiration without you?
I began by considering what the words ‘Divine Inspiration’ meant to me. I quickly realised that creativity, its origin and how it manifests itself would be my starting point.
When we experience that ‘light-bulb’ moment what is it that sparks it? I came up with two opposing answers.
The first is that Divine Inspiration is within us – a brain synapse, the result of chemical messengers leading to the formation of strong neural pathways made stronger from years of practice and experience. The second is that Divine Inspiration is without you – a flash of inspiration which has an external source or which has no input from you – a touch from God.
I began to consider how I would represent this concept and as is often the case with my work – light played a central role. I found myself drawn to the idea that if I had light coming from the top of the box, projecting the words ‘Divine Inspiration’ it would look ethereal; people could put their hands through it yet not touch it. My next challenge was how to create this effect? I found the answer with motion sensor lights.
If I asked you ‘Is Divine Inspiration within you or without you’ what would you say?”
Monolith: Brush lettering, plywood, chalk-board paint, motion-sensor lights, Doctor Martin’s Bleed Proof White, Winsor & Newton Gouache, printed acetate. 1mx950x450mm
