Nick Warnes, the Director Cyclical, invited me to create the cover for "Faithful Innovation: Beginning a Conversation for a Post-Covid Church". Coming up with an initial concept for the cover was challenging. We were right in the heart of the pandemic, so I had to continually ask, "What is the appropriate visual tone for a book like this?" We knew there needed to be an element of hope even as we acknowledged the weight of the subject matter.

Initially I started with a short round of exploring different concepts, but none of them pointed the way for a clearer direction. So, I went back to the drawing board and considered what elements would best communicate "faithful innovation". The second time around I chose to limit myself to materials that I had on hand. Everyone was on lockdown and we were all learning what it meant to be resourceful. I found a box of fabric scraps from a previous art project I had stashed "just in case" (leave it to a creative to never want to throw anything away!). I sifted through the fabrics, passing the ones with decorative elements and intricate patterns until I came across a simple piece of raw canvas. What were the possibilities inherent in such a humble piece of material? And isn't that the question that the question the 2020 pandemic asked of all of us: What can you do with what you have, right where you are? After this, the design seemed to come together on its own, affirming the new direction I'd finally discovered.

About Cyclical

Cyclical is dedicated to "Inspiring Faithful Innovation Through the Church​" by supporting church planters and church leaders.