Painted Prayers
Collage and acrylic paint by Biddy Partridge.
From 1978 t 1999, Biddy worked in Southern Africa as a photojournalist and musician - a turbulent and exciting time. Her work was widely published, and while engaging with and documenting moments of history, she sought - and still seeks - to celebrate the extraordinary beauty in “ordinary” people and “ordinary” things through photography.
Based in London since 1999, she continues to play and compose music. In visual work, her focus has shifted away from wholly documentary concerns towards abstraction, and the edleddly intriguing possibilities of juxtaposition.
“We can’t avoid the problem of suffering in this worlld. But I love to contemplate, and make visible to others, ‘the problem of beauty’ - in people and in nature.”
She has been practicing contemplative prayer for some years- prayer beyond words, similar in some ways to meditation.
This has led to expressions of prayer in form, colour and pattern rather than in words.
The Method
envision the person/ family/ situation
articulate love from them, and wishes for their lives, and for spiritual growth, on whatever path they have chosen
ask for guidance as the prayer takes visual shape
Perhaps the reader might spend a little time contemplating each image together with its title, before looking at the thoughts that arose as each piece evolved.
Payer for transitions
In new phases and new places, grant a path that is filled with light and peaceful confidence. And bless those places where paths cross.
Prayer for healing
For the slikk and kidness of medical staff, for the wisdom and patience of loved ones, and the peace od those who suffer.
Prayer for older people
Grant them lightness and delight, freedom and wisdom as they age.
Prayer for family harmony
Bless each person and help them to honour, respect and undestand each other, whether they are together or apart.