Some Contemporary Illustrations of Psalm 1

Since I aspire to meld both medieval and modern styles in my own psalm illustration series, I thought it would be beneficial to examine how contemporary artists have approached the opening passage of the psalter. This list is certainly not exhaustive, and I will likely continue to add to it in future posts. As a side note, I have chosen to exclude photographic representations of the psalm for now unless they incorporate mixed media--not because I find photography less important, but because it is further from my own chosen medium and intentions. I have included links to each of the artists' blogs as well as the specific page on which the selected image occurs.

DEBORAH TEPPER

DEBORAHTEPPER.PAPERCUTS@GMAIL.COM
I am impressed by Tepper's intricate papercutting skill; the near, but-not-quite symmetry of the design; the tangle of roots that mirrors the leaf-covered branches above and echoes the woven pattern of the inner ring; and the Hebrew words of Psalm 1:3 in the outer ring. I love Tepper's design to use a roundel, reminiscent of a mandala and eternal in its circularity. Trees and attention to detail remain motifs in other images posted on her blog. 

Image Source

DANIEL L. DEW

I was delighted to come across Dew's blog in search of Psalm 1 imagery inspiration. He describes his entire undertaking in his entry "How it all began." Though I am only including his illustration and calligraphy for the first psalm in this post, I am sure Mr. Dew's name will continue to occur as my own series on the psalms progresses. He has been working on his psalter since July 2008. Long may he continue!

Image Source

ERIC CROW (epcrow)

According to "epcrow" (presumably the screen name of Eric Crow), he began his Typographic Psalms series "to become a better hand letterer." Judging by the posts so far, Crow doesn't need additional practice. As of April 2013, he had completed designs up to Psalm 9. Rather than transcribe the entire passage, Crow selects one line and gives it the necessary "punch" of successful graphic design. His lettering style enlivens and extends the ancient tradition of transmitting scripture through the written word. His version of Psalm 1 is entitled "Like a Tree by Streams of Water." White letters are transformed into leaves, roots, and waves by his hand. 

Image Source

The St Albans Psalter

The University of Abardeen has digitized and published the St Albans Psalter along with transcriptions and translations, commentaries, and essays on the work. This medieval manuscript, produced in the first half of the 12th century for Christina of Markyate, offers an excellent example of English Romanesque illumination. It is unusual in that each psalm is accompanied by a historiated initial related to the text. 

This psalter formed the basis of my decision to develop my own illuminations for the pslams and has served me in my own meditative practice. I like to read a given psalm in English and then contemplate the centuries-old image depicting the passage. Frequently the intial will draw my attention to a piece of the text I'd overlooked in my reading.

Classification Systems for the Psalms

Christian Resource Institute (CRI)--as its name suggests--has many resources pertaining to Christianity. I am particularly interested in the sections describing the psalms and specific subgenres such as lament, thanksgiving, and salvation history. Dennis Bratcher's lucid writing makes the material accessible and the site is well organized. 

Introducing the Psalms
Psalm Classification Chart
Patterns for Life: Structure, Genre, and Theology in Psalms


I found another helpful psalm chart on UsefulCharts.com. Instead of presenting psalms by categories, Matt Baker (the chart's creator) chooses to list them as they sequentially occur in Protestant versions of the Bible. he has helfpully color-coded the psalms and includes not only genre but also psalm authorship and notes.

Matt Baker's Psalm Chart


Hermann Gunkel, a deceased German Old Testament scholar, offers an extensive psalm classification method as summariezed in A Form-Critical Classification of the Psalms According to Hermann Gunkel. Though no chart is included, a partial one could be developed based on various psalms listed as exemplars as a form.