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Lilies of the Field series was inspired by a poem Lucy’s friend, Verna Smith, wrote while visiting the Golan Heights,
Israel. She saw man-made barbed wire, symbols of war, laced with God’s beautiful lilies of the field.
Lucy added doves or butterflies to symbolize an escape into freedom.
With Verna Smith’s permission, we share with you her poem:
“Lilies of the Field” by Verna G. Smith
I saw the lilies of the field growing in the Golan Heights
Anemones among the tall coils of barbed wire
Incongruous, I thought at the time,
A younger woman caring for those about her.
But now, here I am. Almost 81;
A lily of the field whose Father cares for me,
For I am not the caretaker that I used to be.
Just growing beautiful in the field
This ancient flower
Of wind and breath
Barbed wire of hellish war
All about me.
These 18 paintings represent the trials and sorrows of outcast people—the homeless, the hopeless and the forlorn.
They deal eloquently with real life tragedies.
Lucy tries to bring a glimmer of hope, to shed a little light, in these works.
This series is in the collection of Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA.
Please scroll down for Lucy’s introduction to these paintings.
“Everyone is touched by the plight of those who are without shelter and the dignity of a place to be, a place that can be called home. These works represent the way an artist responds. I try to create images that reveal human beings keeping their hopes alive by their togetherness, however fragile.
The small, cramped efforts of individuals huddled together calls for our help and yet their power, despite having little choice, can reinforce our own inner strength.
The paintings speak for themselves but you will notice the shopping cart as a ‘mobile home.’ The attempt to keep personal belongings close enhances self identity. The birthday ‘celebration,’ the phone call, the park as a touch of nature, the benefits of ‘soup,’ fire, boxes, even an old car as shelter all keep hope alive. The suffering, especially of children, has to be shown and contrasted with those that have. The card game indicates the spirit of play still breathes within. The players of any game act upon a chance to win.”—Lucy Janjigian on the “Homeless” Series, April 16, 1997.
This painting was commissioned by the Armenian Missionary Association of America, Paramus, NJ.
It was on the occasion of the retirement of The Rev. G.H. Chopourian, PhD, Executive Director
of the AMAA, 1969-1987.
The painting is based on Acts 1:8 (ESV):
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses
in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
You Shall Be My Witnesses—72 x 48 in.
Acts 1:8
These paintings were commissioned by Haigazian University, Beirut, Lebanon.
This painting was commissioned by St. Leon’s Armenian Church, Saddle River, NJ.
Spiritual Journey to Eternity—72 x 60 in.
This painting was commissioned by St. Leon’s Armenian Church, Saddle River, NJ.
Our Living Heritage—60 x 72 in.
This painting was commissioned by the Armenian Evangelical Union, Fresno, CA. It is now located at the AEUNA (Armenian Evangelical Union of North America) offices in Glendale, CA.
In the background is Mount Ararat, an identifying Armenian symbol. The painting can be read from left to right as it travels from the Armenian Church’s beginning, in 305 A.D., to present.
Saint Mesrop Mashtotz, creator of the Armenian alphabet who translated the Bible in 405 A.D., is seated at the left. Arches are used as sacred doors of spiritual light that connect through time. The torch is evangelism.
The painting itself is intended as a door to remembrance and a path to meditation.
To God Be the Glory—72 x 54 in.
This painting was commissioned by a private collector.
Musical Angels—36 x 24 in.
