Stephanie A. N. Gerbrandt

(Mixed Media) - This mixed media piece is inspired by a transformative dream I had after the passing of my beloved lovebird, Sweet Baby ‘Ting (short for Anointing). After teaching me to find joy again following my sister’s passing, his loss left my heart heavy. But in the dream, I saw him flying up from the ground to meet me, his wings stirring the golden air around him. It was a vision of him alive and well in Heaven, and it turned my grief into joy. This piece commemorates that moment and the hope of eternal reunion.

This pastel piece honors my lovebird, Chuey, who passed unexpectedly in 2022. A constant companion, he, like Baby Ting, brought me immense comfort after my sister’s passing, always by my side with his affectionate, “Velcro bird” nature. A dream of him perched peacefully in a heavenly room filled with other lovebirds reminded me of the joy and hope of eternity. I look forward to experiencing his lively spirit again in the perfect life to come.

This colored pencil drawing commemorates a dream I had three days after the passing of my lovebird, Chuey. In the dream, I saw a heavenly scene filled with tall, tiered water fountains where birds of all kinds played joyfully among lush vegetation. Chuey was perched on a marble counter surrounded by other lovebirds, a vision that filled me with immense comfort and turned my grief into joy. The artwork depicts the three lovebirds I’ve lost along the top of the frame, including Chuey, and four of the flock I currently care for. This piece celebrates the truth that God deeply cares about every detail of our lives, including the joy that birds bring—not just for this life, but for all eternity. This dream and artwork were pivotal in reigniting my passion for creating art full-time, symbolizing hope, healing, and the promise of reunion.

This watercolor and salt painting celebrates the joyful chirps of the two most recent lovebirds I’ve adopted, whose “sweet music” led me to welcome them into my flock. The artwork explores the vibrant energy of their lively sounds, imagining what their melodies might look like if we could see them. It’s a tribute to the joy and harmony that lovebirds bring to life.

(Watercolor) - It Is Finished Victory is already won—the Lion has triumphed over the dragon! This piece embodies the eternal truth that the ultimate war against evil has been conquered. As we navigate life’s challenges, we carry within us the assurance of that victory, renewing our minds with the knowledge that we do not fight alone. The One who has already vanquished death empowers us to live free of evil, anchoring our hope and fortitude even in the midst of life’s storms. “It Is Finished” serves as a constant reminder that our battles are already overcome, filling us with unwavering hope for the future.

(Watercolor) - This watercolor painting, which inspired the Lion in my Lion-Lamb Lenticular art, represents the Lion of the Tribe of Judah as described in Revelation 5. The Lion’s mane reflects the radiance of the rainbow encircling the throne of God like an emerald, a vision of divine majesty and authority. This interpretation captures the awe and reverence of John’s vision, where he is told to behold the Lamb. The Emerald Lion embodies both the strength and sovereignty of the Lion.

(Oil) - This painting celebrates the timeless tradition of sharing tereré, an ice-cold variation of yerba maté tea cherished in South American culture. Rooted in the practices of the Guaraní people and lovingly embraced by my Mennonite family, this ritual has traveled across continents, uniting generations. The artwork depicts a circle of people under a simple hut, passing a communal cup of tereré on a hot day. One person pours and tracks the drink, symbolizing the rhythm of fellowship and connection. More than refreshment, this tradition fosters moments of pause, reflection, and renewal, refreshing both body and soul. Pass the Juampa honors the resilience, belonging, and joy found in shared experiences, inviting viewers to reflect on their own rituals of community and connection, and how they can bring the joy and fellowship of Heaven to earth!

This pastel painting was inspired by a friend’s dream of my late sister, Tracie, who passed away in 2020. In the dream, Tracie walked ahead—healed, joyful, and alive—glancing back with a smile that spoke of hope and reunion. Moved by the profound peace and encouragement this vision brought me, I created this piece as a tribute to the enduring promise that our temporary separation is but a prelude to eternal joy. It is a reminder that heaven is a gift from God—received through faith and love—where Tracie now lives in the perfect joy of eternity.

This piece exemplifies my ongoing exploration of the theme “medium matches message.” Using a multidimensional lenticular lens, the Lion and the Lamb alternate seamlessly within the same artwork (in this image, only the Lion is shown) reflecting the profound truth that they are one and the same. The medium itself mirrors the message: a single piece containing two images, unified yet distinct, perfectly embodying the harmony of strength and peace.