Pause, Wonder and Make Art

From 14 to 15 May, Sketch (a CF for students of the Arts) held a retreat in Changi Village with the theme “Pause and Wonder”. The retreat revolved around pausing from our busyness to reflect on the Word and taking time to wonder and behold God’s love and presence through His beautiful creation. On the first night, we reflected on what wonder really is and on the next day, we experienced that wonder hands-on, through art-making and immersing ourselves in the nature that surrounds us.

For me, the highlight of this camp was the reflection sessions. Being an ambitious art student, every day has been filled with assignments and looming deadlines such that it felt like an endless chase. It has been a long time since I really paused and wondered, so I felt quite lost on the first night when we were tasked to reflect. But then I heard a strum of guitar and a melody that followed. Such a beautiful song reminded me of God. I took a step back and immersed myself in the warmly lit house, surrounded by nature and decorated with pre-owned rustic furniture, each with its own stories. The room was full of lovely creatives who came to seek God together. The community, the environment, and the hymns soothed my busy heart, as I began to reflect on the beauty of the gospel.

Art is a way to express my gratitude to the Lord. However, in the midst of projects and deadlines, I often forget that ultimate purpose. Completing the tasks at hand became my only focus. But on the last day, as we reflected on His love in our imperfections and made art from seashells, I realized how powerfully art can impact people’s emotions and how it can be used to bring people closer to God to immerse in His love. I learnt that taking the time to pause and wonder in His goodness is a crucial part of the creative process. It is an endless source of inspiration that guides me to make works that are pleasing to the Lord.

– Catherine Wijaya, NTU Fine Arts, Year 1