We find ourselves on many paths, streets and highways looking at various maps, trying to find something...but it is our hearts, our inherent belief that is the true map. Beauty for Ashes is taken from Isaiah 61:3 of the Holy Bible. It is speaking of the restoration of Israel. In this application, it is used as a personal statement of a testimonial restoring of my soul. The black portion of the piece represents the dross, the garbage in life needing to be taken care of - pitched, thown away - in this case burned. Ash was once a sign of mourning. Examples of the dross of life: Bitterness, suicide attempts, rape, loss of a loved one, abortion, depression, addictions etc. The top of the piece signifies beauty. A stereotypical icon the world uses for beauty is a rose, it also is a symbol of love. In this piece it is used somewhat ironically as the roses are made out of metal. Aluminum cans were used to create them so they are not the soft, supple flower one would think. These roses also represent a metamorphosis, a new creature, a new purpose - from the old to the new. The real beauty isn't in the rose however but in the heart of flesh. The heart is exposed, the ashes have been blown away.
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3
Used to make beauty for ashes:
old table pedestal, old wooden ammunition box, outdated atlas maps, wallpaper,
broken mannequin head, 65+ roses made from aluminum cans, found objects
