Messengers of Hope Ministries (MOHM)
The Award
(Piece Bio)
"Wave of Upheaval, Wings of Comfort" 2'x1.5'x1' in modeling clay on oak baseboard
This piece is something I had an immediate vision of when asked to build something for Mohm's Place:
the child and guardian. I wanted to represent the fear and anxiety of a lost child that I still
remember in this piece. The child, however, represents more than just this. In context, he is
the embodiment of the sense of the lost that homelessness instills in you. Here, he is on the
verge of falling, so far as to being missed by the grasp of one intent on saving him. At any moment
we could all fall, crying, screaming and wondering why nobody was there stop it. The angelic being
isn't a god-sent manifestation to guide the "weak" child to safety. This entity is all of us,
capable of doing something, anything, to help another human in need. The wings merely represent the
"something" that we have and can use to this end. Here, the being very well has the chance to
miss the child completely while he is falling. The spiraling wave is a development that happened
late in the creation of this piece. at one time this was merely an oceanic wave this being needed
to protect the child from. In the modeling and creation of what I had intended to be water, the
energy I put into the sculptural strokes seemed to create something more akin to fire. Thus,
this image became what of an angelic figure riding a spiraling wave of liquid flame. To me, this
has come to represent the duality that has come with the view of homelessness in society today.
Some view it as a "war" against the homeless. Others work to aid the people in the clutch of the
streets. It is wholly up to the viewer to see this as fire and/or water. What matters far more is
the fact that the angelic figure not only rides upon this wave of social unrest and upheaval, but
seems to long to protect the child from it. What must be said is that this sculpture is made of
an impermanent medium. It will never truly harden, and in the coming years will grime. This is
the clay oil, uncast and meant to be reproduced. This is the nature of the message. The original
intentions and message of those that act against homeless or work for social justice is impermanent,
and meant to be reproduced by the public in a far more crystallized state. Here, it means that the
clay original must be cast in bronze if it is to last. The message of a caring human community must
do the same. From now, it is your hands to do so.
Charles
Artist
Pastor Harry's Comments
I would like to take this opportunity to personally
thank Charles for his awesome vision and work.
His sculpture epitomizes our mission of "Feeding the hungry,
Healing the hurting and Touching the hearts of the people"
whom we serve. This sculpture truly is a blessing and those
that view it will be encouraged by the genuineness of heart
he so ably applies. May God richly bless the work of his hands.
Thank you Charles for your awesome gift.
Blessings!
Pastor Harry H. Wallar
Founder
Angela's Comments
It never ceases to amaze me, how God works!
I met Charles randomly, when I was buying art
supplies for another fundraising event.
We started talking, and sharing stories, and I had
mentioned that we help the homeless, and near homeless of our community.
He went onto explain to me that he had grown up nearly homeless,
and he would love to help if he could. I think that God has this
way of placing people in our lives, to help do his work. I don’t
believe it was by chance, that we met, it was God’s fate.
After meeting, we thought what a beautiful idea to have him create
a piece of art for MOHM’s Place. After much reflection, Charles
suggested a sculpture. Long story short, he came up with the most breath-taking piece.
He far exceeded my expectations both as an artist, and as a person.
Charles can relate to our ministry from personal experience, and that
is special, and what makes this sculpture, even more fantastic. The love
that Charles shows in the design and the movement is incredible.
I believe that God has blessed him with this gift to bless others
through his art. Charles, at 19 gets what people will never get their
entire lifetime, to use your God given talents, to help others in need.
Did I mention, Charles is donating the piece? His career and life will
bring great things for those who have the pleasure of knowing him, and
experiencing his work. Charles truly is what MOHM’s Place is all about;
love, fight, healing, giving, and making a difference in the lives of those who are in need.
Angela Poor
Director of Fundraising and Event Planning
Artist Bio
My name is Charles Fisher, and, to tell you the truth,
I'm still a kid. At 19 years old, I will be the first
to admit that I have a mass amount of life to experience,
and sights to see, but what I've already done and been through
have given me a treasure trove of material to draw upon for
my artistic works. Things were hard for my family while
I was growing up, and for a time, one could say I "didn't know
where I was living." I still struggle to find the very feeling
of "home", but am slowly building that sense here in Omaha.
I've lived in Nebraska my whole life, with the exception of the
past year in Georgia, with my stent at the Savannah College of
Art and Design. Many issues brought me back, and I am now a
proud student at UNO, majoring in Theatre and Studio Art.
I've been very lucky to have some amazing people enter my life
since I returned, namely, Angela Poor. She gave me an opportunity
and an outlet to express my experience and share my art in a way
that will help someone beyond myself. For this, Angela has my
most sincere of thanks, and love. When I do manage to grow up
I'd like to find a way to make a living using art and theatre
for social justice. Until then, I am forever grateful that
I've been given an opportunity to lean into the area at such a young age.
Charles
Artist