Thomas Hendrich Kjorlaug
listens to the story of the mustard seed.
What I see in this painting
Yes, Thomas would have heard from the big Book like a good Norwegian Lutheran. His grandfather had even helped build the little church building near the farm. It was his sister though, that told Dorothy all it’s stories, and she told them to my father, who in turn told me.
My Norwegian ancestors lived on a farm in Norway in a small region called Kjorlaug. The 4 Rosemaling seed paintings are from bits and pieces of stories my Norwegian grandmother told. Thomas was my great grandfather.
Norwegian Rosemaling is an ancient Norwegian folk art taught to me by my grandmother.
What is underneath this painting
“He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.””
Matthew 13:31, 32 NIV
What will it look like to be a follower of Jesus? A tiny seed, Jesus says, that’s what it will look like. As it grows it will weave it’s heart shaped leaves in and through and around all the empty places until it can’t be gotten rid of. You may cut down one part while another part is vivaciously climbing in a place you can’t reach—a huge nuisance weed to some but a haven to others.
This art series began on a rabbit trail I was trekking down to find trees in the Bible (there are so many!!!) I love trees, but four arrested my attention and became the subjects for this Rosemaling seed series. Trees are a picture God often uses to describe humans and these four—the date palm, the almond tree, the oak, and the mustard— are how God pictorally described the righteous (those who follow Him). Now when I look at these trees, I feel seen and described by my God. The trees were brought back to seed form in the creation of these pieces because spring was coming when I made them, and I was so looking forward to it. —Kristin
Watercolor and Ink – 8×10 inches – framed – $83
This painting is for sale at gallery840 in Allentown PA.
You can purchase the painting via the gallery website.
Limited Edition Prints Also Available:
High quality archival prints of Kristin Kjorlaug’s original Rosemaling seed series in watercolor and ink. 8×10 inch print. Ships within 2 weeks.
Prints are available for purchase through the gallery840 website.
