In January 2022 I started illustrating the Books of the Bible Windows poster. The genesis of the story began in late 2021 when a friend who happens to be a theology lecturer showed me a basic diagram that he’d put together to show the books of the Bible on a bookshelf (as an educational resource for his students). He then asked me, “have you ever thought about creating a books of the Bible artwork?”

 

My first thought was, 'well, not really, I mean, I’m no biblical scholar, how in the heavens would I do that?'  Soon, as providence would have it, other people within Christian / Catholic schools and religious circles (NZ, AU, USA) also asked me about Bible resources around that time. So, I prayed, and over the next few months, the project stayed in my heart. As time passed, my love of stained glass windows and traditional etching art also stayed, moving me to think...

 

Why don’t I create an artwork poster for the Catholic Bible in stained glass and etching?

And really, let's go big, to transform hearts!

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As I began the project, its main focus was to create an art resource for all Christian / Catholic schools in NZ, AU, USA and beyond. I really had no idea what I was about to embark on... I had to trust a strong inner pull to create this artwork, and, yes, comically, this led to many *hand to forehead* and *really God!?* moments over the almost eight months it took to complete this modern Christian / Catholic Bible art project. We are all invited to discern our inner callings, perhaps Saint Jerome knew this when he first translated the Old Testament into Latin from the original Hebrew—trusting his call, little did he know what translations would follow. “Literature, art and even popular language have continually been shaped by Jerome’s translation of the Bible, leaving us great treasures of beauty and devotion" (1). I can see now that Pope Francis was onto something, he reflected that our “quest of religious truth can be a passionate adventure that unites heart and mind” (1).

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Continual listening led me to say yes to creating this new Catholic Books of the Bible Windows poster. With research, I discovered that there are no other visual translations of the Catholic Bible like this. As an NZ Christian / Catholic artist the project required many many “come holy spirit moments” (as my Godmother used to say). I started out sketching by hand, piecing together window shapes, and how they could come together to fit onto available paper sizes. Also drawing flora, scroll sizes, shapes and window details. I soon realised there would be numerous changes, and considering that I value what I have left of my sanity, I switched it up and went the digital route (thanks to Apple Pencil).

 

Over many late nights and weekends, much community help, and a lot of research the scripture artwork poster came to life. I could not have completed it without the help from others, I'm deeply grateful for the support from my community, Auckland lecturers at the Catholic Theological College (especially Fr Merv Duff SM), Te Kupenga staff, teachers, friends and family in the USA, AUS and Aotearoa NZ (thanks mum). All encouraged me when I felt like giving up. Community gifts us more than we can imagine or can ever do alone. This new Bible artwork has been created by community, for community (AMDG). 

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Christian / Catholic schools and churches have a rich tradition of beauty through painting, stained glass and etchings. Our document Via Pulchritudinis (The Way of Beauty) highlights the role of beauty as a powerful tool to open our hearts to God's ways—highlighting how religious education is understood, and hearts are changed through beauty. This is surely a tradition we must carry forward for Catholic / Christian schools in Australia, Aotearoa NZ and worldwide? I hope this new etching bible art and stained glass art poster connects and inspires other Christian / Catholic artists to create beautiful modern education resources too (just like the beauty I also experience through the Word on Fire Bible). And I would love to hear from teachers if there are other resources that would be useful for lessons; perhaps digital images with no names on the scrolls so students can print a section and fill in the names or any other ideas? please let me know.

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My big hope/dream is for this poster to be in every school!

May we be mindful that God is alive in scripture today and hold close to our hearts “the advice that Jerome unceasingly gave to his contemporaries: “Read the divine Scriptures constantly; never let the sacred volume fall from your hand”(1). We would be very grateful if you would consider purchasing a print of this educational art resource for your school, parish, home or community organisation. If you are also aware of a school that cannot afford a print, then please get in touch—we'll try to remedy that, ALL students should have access to this work. 

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> Click Here to Purchase your Print <

> Email Jane if you're interested in placing larger orders for schools or organisations.

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Click on the images to view full images with descriptions, and learn how the artwork process unfolded below. Many articles have been published including NZ Catholic / AU Cath News / Catholic Weekly and more - check them out to continue discovering. 

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As a Christian artist, I truly hope this new visual translation / Books of the Bible Windows poster / RE resource is helpful for religious education teachers, students and all who are searching for truth through our good God of beauty. May the windows of our lives receive light through the Word—"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light"(2).

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AMDG.

~ Jane 

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(1) Scripturae Sacrae Affectus

(2) Psalm 36:9