I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series. Read on for Jill Ross’s reflection on her art as prayer and meditation.
My current prayer and meditation practice involves daily walks, observing nature, then transforming what I see into glass mosaics. My theme these past few years has been around the issue of climate justice. My pieces, although intended to be aesthetically beautiful, give testimony to what we are losing because of climate change. Specifically, my observations focus on pollinators and the flowers and fruits they pollinate. I then teach, using my artwork as an example so that others can pray, reflect and respond through the visual arts on justice themes that are important to them. The work strives to integrate reflection, which is more private, with action in the world. The viewer is invited to observe and take in the images without written commentary, letting the visual speak for itself.
Jill Ross is a visual artist, poet and spiritual director. She is a retired pastor and chaplain. Her medium is glass mosaic. Her studio is called “Making Wholeness from the Broken Bits.” She lives and creates in Napa, CA.
