“Art reconciles who I am by engaging who He is.”
Brief History
Irene got to know Christ in 1998 when she had a brush with death ; was detected with cancer and went through a major operation. Subsequently she had several encounters with God who miraculously healed her on various occasions. Irene vowed to follow Christ earnestly ever since.
Irene started to search for the missing puzzle in her life in the midst of her hectic merchandising career. Her long years of experience and exposure to the fast trend fashion market has brought her to many places and people whom she has not met before. It was not by chance but a long awaited desire she knew it would come one day : painting. Though leaving all her career plans behind was never her initial plan, the deep desire to be who she really is just just could not be silent.
Having no art background to start with, Irene enrolled herself in a short course few months Fine Arts night classess at NAFA to upgrade herself in her painting skills. After completion, she began to paint scriptural and ‘prophetic’ paintings amounting to about 60 pieces within her 1st year in 2009 after she left her job. Irene would spend most of her time between the bible and the canvas without realising that laid the foundation for her faith, determination, perseverance and skills to overcome the life challenges ahead. “I have always believed art is more than just beauty or expression of emotions. It is the foundation of life. It allows the space for the natural, social and spiritual world to intertwine, a tapestry of humanity.” Irene took the less-traveled path : exploring her potential, finding her calling, and reinventing her future through art. She knew she had found the gift of life : using art-based approach to develop who we are and nurture our God-given passion to create the possibilities of life.
‘Prophetic’ Artist
Irene has been painting prophetically for over 16 years. It was a tough and lonely journey where vocational ‘prophetic’ artists were rare at that time. Her Creator became her first and only mentor to teach and lead the way while there was no open doors for her to learn ‘prophetic’ art. Irene had painted over 100 pieces of commissioned personal prophetic painting ever since. She is now able to share her experiences and encourage other growing ‘prophetic’ artists who are similarly called to walk this art journey.
Heart beat of God
Other than commissioned personal prophetic paintings for people, God has also put a deep desire in Irene to interpret the prophetic bible scriptures through her paintings in 3 main areas :
– The Golden Gate or East Gate (where He shall enter again)
– The Four Living Creatures (where He is in the midst)
– The Gathering of Lions (Lion of Judah gathering His lions)
– His Promises (Everlasting)
She believes the visual power of scriptures enable us to behold what God has already prepared us for His Kingdom and His return. Here are some of Irene’s artworks which she dearly labelled them as ‘heart beat of God’ :
More about Irene :
Snap shots of Irene’s Art journey with God
A Journal of a Prophetic Artist
Golden Gate Series
The Four Living Creatures Series
The Gathering of the Lions
His Promises Series
Tirosh Journey 