Debbie Clark

Revelation and the Apocalypse are topics that often spark curiosity for some and inspire fear in others. Debbie Clark sees patterns and messages that bring peace and clarity to the chaos of life. Her thorough study of scripture has proven that there is indeed nothing new under the sun, but repeating patterns in human nature and spiritual matters. Several pieces of her work are featured in LUZ Art Gallery’s showing of 666: A Visual Exhibition of Apocalyptic Literature, showing in Brooklyn, NY from October 27-29th. For Clark, these thematic elements foreshadow the messages in scripture and “capture the tension of the times we are living in.”

Clark’s exploration of Revelation began with a dream. She was inspired to get up in the middle of the night and begin what would become a series of works centered on themes in the book of Revelation. These paintings capture the delicate and powerful elements of their subjects. The natural world and supernatural elements transcend any barriers of time and represent an eternal reality. This, paired with the raw emotions expressed by humans and animals, creates an intense visual experience. Listening to Clark speak about her testimony, one can sense the dynamic quality that is present in her paintings. It is a narrative of the redemption of loneliness, fear of death, and uncertainty.

Clark was born and raised in Scotland. She began drawing at an early age, studied illustration, and worked in graphic design. After getting married, she joined her husband in his digital design business. Before becoming a Christian in 2018, Clark experienced personal tragedy and several years of searching for answers. Both her mother and brother died from cancer in 2005 and 2014. She witnessed her brother’s death and the pain and fear that he experienced in his final moments. This led her down the path of New Age practices in an attempt to answer her questions about mortality and process her grief. Clark had also questioned her worldview for years and felt isolated and fearful. Ultimately, she did not find lasting comfort and was constantly searching for a new answer for years. After becoming curious about an old friend’s church, and visiting in 2018, Clark was gradually drawn to read the Bible. She asked the question, “If the world is so dark and evil, is there a light and love that I’ve never known?” In scripture, she found truths that connected to her questions and spoke to her heart in a new way. By committing herself to Christ her life was transformed. Clark’s worldview came into alignment with her faith. She no longer felt isolated after finding a community of Christians. She found her answers to questions about mortality and now feels peace. Today, she is not lost in fearful questioning about truth versus lies about chaos in the world, “now I see the patterns in the Old Testament.” As an artist, she says that faith has helped her to “begin exploring and taking risks.”

Despite the achievement of becoming a working illustrator, Clark consistently questioned her abilities and felt “relieved” when clients were happy with her design. “I used to feel that I wasn’t very creative. As an illustrator, you follow a brief [design direction].” Clark experimented with fine art paintings of portraits and nature in 2011, but “I didn’t think my ideas were very good.” The lack of discernable meaning made the work feel “self-indulgent,” particularly during a gallery exhibition. When she experienced grief, she felt that any art she created would be dominated by dark themes and she didn’t want to rely on that. Five years ago, “when I was brought into the light, I had something to paint to contrast the dark with the light.” Her creativity bloomed and she says, “The Holy Spirit opened a door in me that was firmly shut.” She returned to her love of nature and finds meaning in portraying God’s creation and spiritual themes that are centered on faith. Clark feels more comfortable sharing the work and “pushing more controversial messages” as her confidence has grown.

In Clark’s paintings, the tumultuous seas and dark skies, green valleys, and bright velvety blooms, are a testament to her own story. They reflect the narratives in scripture that can reach the human experience in any era. Alone in her studio, Clark experiences fulfillment and adventure in her creativity that she would not know without God’s presence.