Paul Jenkins (1923-2012) was an American Abstract Expressionist. He studied at the Art Students League in New York City and was a friend of other abstract artists, namely Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.

Paul Jenkins used a “paint pouring and canvas wrestling” technique. He used buckets and garbage cans to splash dye onto handmade paper and then moved the paper to cause the flow and movement of works like Phenomena Kwan Yin. He said his work involved tempting fate. Another said his pieces were too gorgeous for their own good. They do seem to have “stare potential.”

Paul Jenkin’s movement creations seem to call us to stop and not move. Their complexity beyond the artist’s plan and maybe our own art standards make them seem like images of uncertainty and the mystery of life and faith. Paul Jenkins did not know what would happen next and as we know, though often forget, we do not know either on a scale of moments and momentary places. And this takes us back to God who is always present with us as life unfolds.

May we be stopped by this image to reaffirm our faith in our constant God who loves within and beyond the things of this world. Thanks be to God. May it be so and amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church