the story of our logo...

it's not just a design. it's a new creation, just like each of us...

Here are some words about what inspired me to create the painting.... 

It has been such an honour to be able to create the logo and artwork for the Emmaus Group.  I thought you might like to know a little about my process of painting.

I almost never take commissions because I paint inspired by prayer and my emotions, my paintings evolve rather than being designed.  But when Rev David sent me a message saying how much he liked my art and telling me about Emmaus I immediately felt connected to the project and said I'd see what might emerge.

I sat in prayer with my digital painting programme, praying for refugees and asylum seekers who leave their homes, and everything they know, seeking a place to live their lives in safety and without prejudice.  I imagined the fear of fleeing across borders, of the hope that keeps people travelling and, most importantly, the relief of finding a group that welcomes, loves and supports them in their new lives just as they are. 

I have less than 5% eye sight left now and my brain often fills the darkness with rainbows.  These were strong in my prayers so I started painting the rainbow colours as an aurora praying about a shower of hope or a curtain of safety.  

I had originally thought that the people in the painting would be an array of colours, and I played with that idea, but it didn't feel or look quite right for some reason.  I then created some people in black and they really brought the colours to life.  

I didn't want the silhouetted people to be stark or harsh, I wanted them to have movement and freedom and to capture the great range of humanity.  In my imagination the people in the painting are of all shapes and sizes, all ages and genders, all colours and races.  

My hope is that you, as I do, see the people in my painting as representing everyone who might join Emmaus and find a place of safety, inclusion, prayer, love and life.

I hope that this painting and logo are a blessing to the Emmaus Group as you continue to support people, and advocate for them with the various agencies.  
Emma