Artist Spotlight: Ruth Chou Simons
ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series
The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series is a collection of journaling Bibles meant to celebrate the treasure of God’s Word through the artistic talents of his people. These Bibles feature commissioned cover artwork designed by Christian artists such as Peter Voth, Ruth Chou Simons, and Joshua Noom. Each artist offers a visual entry point focused on a particular biblical theme or passage, setting a tone of reflection as readers engage with the Bible.
Each of these decorative hardcover Bibles retains the features of the original ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, such as cream-colored paper, a single-column page layout, and lines in the margin for note taking. These features coupled with captivating cover artwork make each Bible conducive to creative engagement with God’s Word.
ESV Single Column Journaling Bible®, Artist Series
Celebrating the beauty of Scripture, this edition of the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series features captivating cover artwork by Christian artist Ruth Chou Simons.
About the Arists of Be Transformed
Ruth Chou Simons is a best-selling author, artist, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Ruth is the artist and founder behind GraceLaced Co., a popular brand and retail website that features her unique style of art paired with biblical truth. Simons shares her experience of God’s grace through her ministry, business, writing, and social media.
Ruth’s work is featured on the cover of the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series. Below, we asked her a few questions about his work and the way her faith informs it.
When did your artistic journey begin and what are some of the defining moments that led to where you are today?
I have been artistic for as long as I can remember, always drawing and painting as a child. I didn’t really have vision for my skills or a sense of calling for artistic expression until later in my adult life when I began to see my giftings as opportunities to serve the body of Christ, rather than as talents I needed to wield to make a name for myself. With a baby on my lap as a mom to several boys already, I began watercoloring in 2015, hoping to dwell on the Scriptures I wanted to hide in my heart and in my daily life. That expression, documented through simple photos of works in progress, marked the start of the professional endeavors in art that I’m known for today.
Who or what has influenced your work the most?
While taking painting classes in college, I was most influenced by the work of Georgia O’Keefe. She was a woman who painted in my home state of New Mexico, and her work elevated the oft-unstudied intricacies of a flower’s center or the curve of its blooms. I was enamored by the way she expressed the beauty in the natural world through color, scale, and simplicity.
What role does your faith play in your artistic style and process?
I no longer see a separation of the sacred and the secular. As an image-bearing Christ follower, I think of every word I write, every photo I take for social media, and every painting I paint as an opportunity to showcase something of God’s character, his creativity, or his rescue. I don’t have to paint Scripture to incorporate my faith. My starting point and process is this: I meditate on the word of God, worship him as I witness his faithfulness day by day, and then emulate God’s handiwork and beauty through whatever means I’m given. My faith highly informs the work I do, fundamentally.
What are three adjectives you’d use to describe your work?
Elegant, gentle, imperfect.
Is there a specific Scripture that informed this work or your artistic work in general?
For this specific ESV bible project, it was Romans 12:2 —to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” But as a whole, Romans 11:36 has informed all that I do through my artwork: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Learn more about the ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series.
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