The 10 digital prints in the series are a symbolic enquiry into the nature of hope, as expressed by various different metaphors in the bible. The common motif of the bird is the figurative element of hope’s representation as a dynamic, emotive and concrete concept – whereby the seen anchors something of the unseen. The pieces are created from a wide variety of pictorial sources – sketches, photographs, and scans of other raw material into a digital collage.

4 Bird posters are a celebration of what the Dictionary of Biblical Imagery calls ‘the four coordinates of hope’: Faith, Joy, Perseverance and Endurance. Hope in this light is more than a vaguely positive feeling about the future – it is an attitude towards the present that transforms character and releases people to live without fear. It is a strong mindset, an ‘anchor for the soul, firm and secure’ (Hebrews 6:19). The imagery of wings dominates, reflecting Bible passages that highlight the protection, vitality and symbol of transforming freedom (Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 91:4, Malachi 4:2).

The remaining 6 portrait banners, Hope’s Plan, Hope’s Promise and Hope’s Purpose, form 3 diptych panels. Each pair considers a particular biblical bird: the dove, the eagle and the sparrow. The larger field of view incorporates the perspective of faith which has hope for earth’s future, hope in the living and active word of God and hope towards the unconditional-love-filled life without worry. The individual panels of each diptych form a pairing of complementary colours, incorporating images from the interiors of St Martin in the Bull Ring itself, and angels from St Mark’s in Venice.