Psalm 5

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Psalm 5 

“Consider me, Lord”

Painting/collage/mixed media

Kim Shivers

I was inspired to bring Psalm 5 to life using acrylic paint, hand painted papers and other found materials to create a central theme of King David’s dependency on God as he prays for guidance, a clear path (without distraction) and protection from his enemies.

I started with an acrylic under painting of King David with his hands and eyes raised towards God in what appears to be angst. He pleads for God to consider his prayers and then boldly waits for an answer. Because he trusts God’s love for him, David then asks for guidance by making his paths straight so he won’t stumble. I drew smaller figures within each individual canvas to illustrate the different ways David asks God for guidance and protection including his request for his enemies to be caught in their own traps. 

I used maps in David’s face and clothing to represent all people in the world that are loved by God. The jewelry worn around David’s neck is mirrored maps of biblical Israel to remind us that we are all chosen by God. 

The written words of Psalm 5 are interwoven throughout the entire painting in both Hebrew and English. The written psalm floats between David’s hands and the rising sun symbolizing David’s life being surrounded by God’s word. 

Over the weeks that I worked and prayed over this Psalm, I came to realize that, like David, I too can be bold in my prayers. I can ask God to consider me; knowing that as I float in and out of fear and gratitude, my savior holds my heart, mind and all my tomorrows because of His great love for me.