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Images of God: Through the Lens of Disability

Experience

The Art & the People

Hear from participants, view the exhibit, and explore the Art & Vespers service and partner artwork.

Six Key Themes

Six key themes emerged, reflecting the ways participants experience God and see themselves in relation to the divine. These themes emerged through photovoice exercises, journaling, and semi-structured interviews.

1.

God Reaches Down

Everyday Incarnation

2.

"You Need a Magnifying Glass"

Barriers to Faith and Understanding

3.

"Best Friends for Life"

Belonging to God and One Another

4.

"It Still Hurts"

Grief, Loss, and Divine Comfort

5.

"I Could Conquer the World"

Self-Worth and Transformation

6.

"I Was Helping the People"

Living Faith Through Action

Hear from participants

@ImagesofGodCA on YouTube

Visit the channel
Participant short — art process
Participant short — faith and the Bible
Participant short — why did God make all this?

More videos on youtube.com/@ImagesofGodCa

A visitor views the Images of God exhibit panels on the brick wall at Martin Luther University College.

Art Exhibit

From to , the Images of God exhibit was on display in the chapel gallery at Martin Luther University College. Each participant contributed a collage made from a shadow silhouette of their head, alongside photographs and written reflections from the photovoice activity.

Click any panel to view the full collage and photovoice reflections.

Download panel description (PDF) ↓

February 2, 2025

Art & Vespers Service

To celebrate and honour participants’ contributions, the project culminated in an Art and Vespers service at Martin Luther University College. The service featured participant artwork, music, Scripture, and prayer in a welcoming and accessible worship environment.

“I got to share my talents and artwork and I got to talk about God and express it in a way that everyone could see it and understand it.”

— Maria, Toronto
Download the service pamphlet (PDF) ↓
Dirriell, Michelle, and Maria enjoy the service celebrating their art.
Dirriell, Michelle, and Maria enjoy the service celebrating their art.
Keith Dow shares in the Keffer Memorial Chapel.
Keith Dow shares in the Keffer Memorial Chapel.
Raee sits proudly by his collage and photovoice project.
Raee sits proudly by his collage and photovoice project.
Daniela stands with her artwork.
Daniela stands with her artwork.
Attendees post reflections on their experience of the art.
Attendees post reflections on their experience of the art.
Three visitors at the Art & Vespers service view a collage and reflections.
Three visitors at the Art & Vespers service view a collage and reflections.

Imago Dei Belongs in Community

Becky Jones

Becky Jones

A Canadian spiritual care provider, artist, and theologian. She holds an MA in Theology, Spiritual Care, and Psychotherapy, along with a Diploma in Art Therapy. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, she works at Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice and serves as a Regional Connector for Thrive (CRCNA).

The Images of God project was privileged to be partnered with Becky Jones’ Imago Dei Belongs in Community artwork, which brings biblical stories together with considerations from disability studies and lived experience.

Jones created a series of four paintings, each reimagining a biblical story traditionally associated with disability — shifting focus from individual healing to communal restoration and belonging. Each piece incorporates a gold leaf circle and the term Imago Dei to underscore the inherent dignity of every person.

  • Jacob Wrestling at the Jabbok

    Highlighting the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau.

  • The Man Born Blind

    Emphasizing inclusion into a new community after being cast out.

  • The Paralyzed Man Lowered Through the Roof

    Focusing on the collective faith and effort of the man's friends.

  • Zacchaeus

    Portraying transformation through Jesus's invitation to community.

Read the blog series ↗Listen: The Mad and Crip Theology Podcast ↗