Leonie Marklew-Barrett is a Christian artist whose
paintings can regularly be seen at our diocesan
retreat house, Holland House. Leonie didn’t start
out as a Christian, but felt God calling her. She says:
“I trained in theatre design rather than fine art and
was working as a window dresser in Debenhams. Then
one day I had a deep sense that God was speaking to
me and suddenly what I was doing didn’t feel right –
it wasn’t what I was meant be doing. From that point
I started to paint and write poetry.
“I’d never read the bible, but when I started painting
I’d find bible passages would come into my mind. I’d
look them up and discover that the text would link with
what I’d painted! Eventually I went to church to try to
discover what was going on!
“My painting developed and began to turn into a career
with regular work. I never make loads of money, but
always enough for what I need… and sometimes exactly
the right amount to pay a particular bill! It’s definitely
enough to fulfil what I believe God wants me to do.
I didn’t set out to become a Christian artist and as I only started painting in 2006, it’s
been an incredibly quick process – that’s down to God. What’s amazing to me is how
it’s opened up lots of opportunities to have conversations with others outside of the
church. My paintings often catch people’s eye, they become interested, want to engage
and ask lots of questions. It’s been a great way to share both my gifts and my faith!”
Please pray for Leonie and her vocation as a Christian Artist and that like her, we will
all listen to what God is saying to us.
Upton Deanery – Rural Dean: Christopher Moss; Lay Chair: Ellen Moore
Dioceses of Maseno North & Maseno South (Kenya):
Bishops Simon Oketch & Francis Abiero
Diocese of Limerick & Killaloe (Ireland): Bishop Kenneth Kearon
Diocese of Roskilde (Denmark): Bishop Peter Fischer-Moeller