Psalm 109

ARTIST STATEMENT: KELLY JOYNER
To visually interpret Psalm 109, I used a mixture of recycled textiles including upcycled bedsheets, and duvet covers to create a conceptual sculpture in the form of garments. This process also included other mixed medium elements such as crushed berries, coconut oil and soil to apply accents and stain on the garments. The pieces were sewn both with a machine and hand stitching.
The subject matter is “cloaks that represent the wearer,” which symbolize the contrast of what man sees, versus what God sees, in a person. In Psalm 109, David is lamenting over his accusers, reminding God that he is a man of prayer. He asks God for justice according to the heart, though the world surrounds him with words of hatred. 1 Samuel 16:7 beautifully sums up what David already knows is true, “For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) Psalm 109 can be read as a prayer against one’s enemy, but I choose to read it as a prayer against my own shortcomings. Others may misjudge me, or may not understand my intentions, but I pray that God sees my heart and continues to work on my heart while I am continually being transformed in His image.