Off and on I search for not one sparrow on Google to see what turns up.  A couple of times in my searching I've come across an evocative piece of artwork titled "Not One Sparrow", accompanied by the description, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?  And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from the Fathers' will":

After coming across the piece a few times over the past months, I finally did myself a favor and looked up the artist, who turned out to be a painter by the name of Tracey Clarke with many other captivating pieces featuring a variety of animals.  In corresponding with Tracey, I've learned that she is both a dedicated Christian and a former veterinary technician of ten years, and that she does indeed have a tremendous connection to animals and concern for their wellbeing.  The following is her artist statement:

As a child, my three-ring binder full of drawings of horses was a prized possession.  In my mind, horses have a mystical, almost phantom-like quality that I became drawn to from an early age.  I became transfixed just seeing one in an open field.  Today, I recognize this mark in all animals as the fingerprint of the infinite imagination of the Creator.  There is a kind of communion that takes place between me and God when painting or in the presence of animals.

With animals as my subjects, I discover great freedom in employing my imagination as a catalyst for new mythology.  Often, I deal with dark themes or struggles in these works, pairing dramatic images and short narratives.  In creating a surreal and timeless atmosphere for discovery of this new mythology, I invite the viewers to continue the journey by finding more of the story in their own imagination.

Each painting begins in my mind with a word, a string of words or a clear image that appears like a dream.  I am an oil painter.

Tracey graciously allowed me to feature her work on not one sparrow's blog, including the following two pieces: "Ovis Nectarus" and "The Guide": 

You can see more of Tracey's excellent work and read her accompanying painting descriptions at TraceyClarke.org, at Tracey's blog where she hosts a slideshow of previous work and also describes her artistic process, as well as on Facebook.  And please keep an eye out for Tracey's painting auctions or consider purchasing one of the fine pieces available on her site. 

(all images courtesy and copyright Tracey Clarke)