PICTURE ARCHIVE: A Spiritual Journey (Room 1)
Elizabeth Wang has reproduced in watercolour hundreds of the images which God has given to her in prayer about aspects of the spiritual life and her journey in faith. She has also included some autobiographical pictures in this series, to link some of the themes displayed. Altogether she has painted about 1900 monochrome watercolours. From these images, about 350 have been reproduced as full colour paintings, and many of these are already displayed in the other exhibitions in this Art Gallery. The aim in displaying these pictures is not to draw attention to an individual, but to show God’s great mercy and love, which He has for everyone. To see larger versions of each picture, click on the thumbnail picture within an exhibition. Some of the watercolours are shown here, and more will be added soon. They are in chronological order. (To read a summary of Elizabeth’s spiritual journey, click here. For information about the book ‘Falling in Love’, her spiritual autobiography, click here.)
 | The nursery class The peace and order in the nursery class was strange but enjoyable. (Editor's note: picture shows events in 1945, age 3. Elizabeth had been baptised in the Anglican church, and was later taken to a Catholic School just between the ages of 3 - 7). BWC0004a |
 | The Crucifix I used to look at the figure on the Cross, wondering who He was, and why He was there. (Editor's note: picture shows events in 1947, age 5) BWC0004b |
 | Yearnings Without knowing how, I was 'taught' as I walked along, that we are like 'strangers' on this earth, we are made for another home. This accounted for my intermittent yearnings for something greater than everyday life, I was yearning for meaning and fulfillment of some kind, though I knew little about the spiritual life. (Editor's note: picture shows events in 1956, age 14). BWC0007 |
 | True repentance I prayed for help in my illness and was astonished when Christ came to me. How blazing was His glory. How dark I saw my own soul to be. Even if Christ is unseen, unfelt, He comes to the soul who calls out for His help, in faith. From then on I tried to serve Him even more faithfully. (Editor's note: picture shows events in 1964, age 21. She was married to an Anglican. She had returned to prayer and had been taking part in Anglican services for a few months). BWC0010 |
 | The garment which is your soul Christ showed me the stains of sin on the beautiful 'garment' which is my soul. This was a new conversion. (Editor's note: this image was given in prayer in 1964, she was age 21). BWC0010b |
 | Asking for help The priest took me into a side-room, and we sat at a long polished table. He asked what I had read and if I prayed. (Editor's note: picture shows events in early 1968, age 25; making arrangements to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. She was married, with one child). BWC0011 |
 | Our Lady's welcome There was just the sudden knowledge of her presence there, not a legend, but a flesh-and-blood person. (Editor's note: picture shows events on Feb 25th 1968, age 25. She received her First Holy Communion at Sunday Mass; she had been received into full communion with the Catholic Church three days before). BWC0013a |
 | Confirmation I took the name "Mary" in honour of the Mother of God. Christ strengthens us through the sacrament of Confirmation. (Editor's note: picture shows events in May 19th 1968, age 25). BWC0013b |
 | Holy desires True joy flowed beneath each day's surface trails. (Editor's note: picture shows events at the end of 1968, age 26. She was married with one child, and pregnant with her second). BWC0014 |
 | The Precipice in prayer I was urged by God to leap over a 'precipice' in prayer, to launch myself into his life, unsupported by concepts, images or words. (Editor's note: this image was given in prayer in 1968, she was age 25). BWC0015 |
 | The mystery of God's will I steeled my will, and fed on Christ for survival. (Editor's note: picture shows events in 1970, age 28. She was married with two children, and caring for an elderly relative). BWC0016 |
 | Seeing God's holiness I saw more clearly the extent of my sinfulness and of God's tremendous holiness BWC0018 |
 | Hope is a virtue All I lacked was courage, and the will to choose. (Editor's note: picture shows events in 1977, age 35. She was married, with three children). BWC0019 |
 | Losing my chains After pacing up and down, I accepted the grace to make confession. (Editor's note: picture shows events in early 1980's). BWC0021a |
 | Like a bright banner (on the battlefield of good and evil) Christ is triumphant at the working of his grace within a repentant soul, which now shines like a bright banner BWC0021b |
 | A new, true conversion Outwardly carefree, I was inwardly pierced by a shame so intense I could hardly go on: sometimes nearly groaning out loud BWC0022 |
 | Wanting to love I dumbly bore misunderstandings, wanting to love God and my neighbour BWC0023 |
 | Opening the door Christ taught me to open the 'door' of the soul, in prayer, and to let His light shine within BWC0025 |
 | The secret place Christ taught me to meet Him in the most secret place of my heart and soul BWC0028 |
 | Beyond all images Through layer after layer, Christ steered me beyond all images towards God's dark universe within the soul BWC0029 |