NOTE: All sizes of the artist's images are limited to a single small dpi. This is the result of an agreement between the artist and the Vanderbilt Divinity Library. To inquire about larger sizes of her work, or to purchase prints and other works by Lauren Wright Pittman, visit http://www.lewpstudio.com

"The biggest question I have when reading this text is, ‘With whom or with what is Jacob wrestling?’ The wrestling happens so suddenly and so ambiguously. The scripture reads, ‘Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak’ (Gen 32:24). Is Jacob alone? Who is the man? Is Jacob dreaming again? Just prior to this, Jacob sends all of these buffers ahead of him to shield him from the anger of Esau, the brother he wronged (Gen 32:2-21). Jacob’s trickery, deceit, and guilt wrestle with him until dawn. He will not let go of these things until he is blessed. For Jacob, this experience is an intimate,face-to-face moment with God. In a lot of ways, I think Jacob confronts, and wrestles with, himself, and he limps away with a new name."

Lauren is an artist, graphic designer, and theologian. She studied Media Design at Middle Tennessee State University, worked as a wetlands advocate in Southern Louisiana, and attended Columbia Theological Seminary to piece together her passions for artistic expression, design, and Creation Care.

While in seminary, Lauren found a passion for seeking after God and processing scripture through visual exploration. The visual arts offered her a holy space to ask questions, take risks, and make bold statements. Her paint brush, acrylic paints, sharpies, and colored pencils became mediums for liberation, helping set her voice free. Once she began this journey in visual self expression, she became determined to create spaces where others could find this freedom and find their own voice, whether it be in the act of creating, in liturgical arts, or in visual meditative practices like Visio Divina.

While at Columbia, she also realized her background in graphic design was a great asset in ministry. In the midst of the Church's struggle for relevancy in a rapidly changing world, she saw the need for faith communities, ministries and non-profits to share their story and mission more effectively and fully through visual means.

She is Founding Creative Partner & Branding Director for A Sanctified Art LLC, a collaborative arts ministry providing multimedia resources for worshiping communities. She also helps faith communities and non-profits share their vibrant stories through branding & design services.
[from: http://www.lewpstudio.com/about ]