Kirjahaku

Thirteen poems are paired with thirteen images written and created over twenty-two years of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons. The words and pictures are often surprising and give fresh illumination to the ancient celebrations. With a cosmic sweep they contemplate the past and its significance to current day as we look into our future. One begins to relate to the events and characters of the season's stories as if we are not so far removed, almost as if the stories are still playing out. Images draw upon astrophotography, nature, and common objects using the camera, oil paint, pastels, digital paint, collage, even stage sets and costumes. Scripture references are provided as background to some poems which range from the philosophical and metaphysical, to the theological and prophetic. This would make an excellent accompaniment for one's contemplative disciplines of the season.

Images in a variety of art forms, including photography, collage, digital painting and hand work, expand the poems with which they are paired. Mark R. Turner's 16 poems are drawn from a decade full of struggle, losses and hard-won victories. In his poetry and imagery he contemplates life's journey full of mystery, challenge and the call forward. Containing faith and doubt, with hope supporting onward growth, this volume will facilitate the reader's contemplative practice.