About Vanessa
A Wretch Like Me
Oil on canvas
When we read stories, it’s easy to identify with the heroes because we want to be the hero of our own lives but if we’re honest, we often have more in common with the villains. In the book of Nehemiah, even the title, the hero, the main character is Nehemiah. But Tobiah saw himself as the hero of his story, so much so that he chose to occupy a space designated for the things of God for his own personal use. Do we ever abuse the sacred things of God with our own personal agenda? How often do we occupy the space in which we find ourselves with our own overbearing presence rather than giving space to the presence of God? The world tells us to be our own heroes, but deep down we know we are desperate for a savior outside of ourselves because we can never be hero enough. So what a sweet relief it is that God doesn’t ask us to stand before him as heroes but as villains in need of His grace.
Artist Bio
Vanessa Zakas is a painter and illustrator who grew up attending Golden Hills. She moved with her family as a teenager to Morocco and painting became an expression of the colorful and unique culture that she encountered there. She went on to study at the Florence Classical Arts Academy in Italy where she was classically trained under the teaching of Russian Masters and influenced by the surrounding historic art and architecture. She has since worked on many projects as a freelance artist for various companies and individuals and exhibited her work in galleries and at festivals. Her work is often inspired by scriptural truths and life experiences.