high relief paper sculpture series
AMATE: LOVE!
A Selection of Ancient Symbols
An Art Exhibition by Elma Eidse Neufeld
Handcast paper sculpture tracing the appearance of human symbols since the dawn of time.
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe
that thou mayest understand.
St. Augustine, On the Gospel of John
Very useful, then, is the mode of symbolic interpretation for many purposes; and it is
helpful to the right theology, and to piety, and to the display of intelligence, and the
practice of brevity, and the exhibition of wisdom.
St. Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, Ch.VIII
Besides, all things that shine through a veil show the truth grander and more imposing; as
fruits shining through water, and figures through veils, which give added reflections to them.
St. Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata, Ch.IX
The slideshow and exhibit catalogue below are best viewed on your desktop/laptop.
Exhibit at the Canadian Mennonite Museum
30” x 24” x 3.5”
18” x 20” x 3.5”
30” x 24” x 3.5”
30” x 24” x 3.5”
About the Exhibit Catalogue:
The exhibit booklet was written by Deb Elkink (MA Historical Theology, summa cum laude, Briercrest Seminary) to add a literary dimension to the visual display. (It is available for printing.) A fuller explanation of the project as a whole can be found in its final pages of the exhibition catalogue.
An updated print version will be available to purchase in coming months.
About the Exhibit
Amate: Love! is collection of thirty-two hand-cast 100% rag paper pieces created in the 1980s by Canadian artist Elma Eidse Neufeld. The exhibit takes a minimum of 120 lineal feet to show properly.
The show has hung as a cohesive “story” in a variety of venues over the past decades, including:
Pending 2025 Calvary Church Auditorium St. Catharines, ON, Opening TBA
2020-24 Private Showings Peachland BC; Medicine Hat AB (with the artist)
2010-20 Private Gallery Medicine Hat, AB (on loan)
2006 University of Manitoba, under the auspices of The Navigators, Winnipeg, MB
2005 Canadian Mennonite University’s Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery, Winnipeg, MB
2004 Peachland Baptist Church, Peachland, BC
1999 Briercrest Biblical Seminary, Caronport, SK
1984 Grant Memorial Baptist Church, Winnipeg, MB