Drive Through Art Show Virtual Tour
"Peace Be Still" by Emma Dyer
Needle, Thread and Acrylic Paint 9.5" x 5.25"
Artist Statement
Hello! My name is Emma Dyer, and I am 16 years old, so that makes me a junior at Sartell High School. This was my third session of PV and even though it didn't go quite how the other sessions have, I’m so thankful for how hard all the mentors and YFC staff have been working to keep us all connected and making art. I have been blessed to have Justine Miller as my mentor during this session. Justine opened my eyes to the whole new and beautiful medium of embroidery. I embroidered a mountain scene with a bright blue sky, a sun, and the words “Peace Be Still” written in the sky.
My piece has a lot of emotional and spiritual meaning to me. The words “Peace be Still” are really significant to me because at the beginning of the session I was struggling with a lot of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. I felt out of control and everything seemed chaotic and out of place. Throughout this session, God has been calming me and helping me see the value and purpose I have to the people around me. I was listening to the song Peace Be Still when it finally clicked in my head, I am NOT the one in control. I do not need to fear or be stressed out because God has a plan for me. In the moments I feel afraid, I turn to God and ask him to stay with me and guide me to where he wants me. God spoke to me and told me to be still. Find peace. And look to him in every moment of my day. I decided to do a mountain scene because the mountains remind me of God’s glory and power. His hands formed those mountains and I find so much comfort in knowing that that same God longs for ME and wants a relationship with ME. My mountains also symbolize the struggles I face and the “mountains” that are put in front of me on a daily basis. When I’m faced with these difficulties, I have two options. I can either be afraid and anxious about the outcome and what will happen along the way, or I can face them head-on with God by my side providing me with the strength and courage I need to get through it. Through this session, God has told me to put my faith in Him and find my peace with Him. I surrender my hope, courage, and life at his feet. I surrender every inch of my being to Him because He is worthy.
At the beginning of this session, I felt good with my spiritual journey, but I feel like I’ve been coasting for a while. As I was listening to Justine’s life story, she talked so much about wanting to spread the love and joy God has given her to everyone around her. As she was speaking, I saw so much passion and emotion behind her words. I really look up to her and how much she wants to showcase what a life with God looks like. She is so eager to share and I want to follow in those footsteps. I want to share the story God has given me and tell people about his UNFAILING love and mercy. There is no one that is more deserving of our praise and gratitude than Him. So I’d like to personally thank Justine for lighting the fire within me to share His gospel and love with everyone around me. I would also like to thank God for giving me a heart that is eager to learn about His story and find eternity and peace with Him.
Oral Statement
