Following the success of the first line of NIV Artisan Collection Bibles, Zondervan Bibles, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is releasing new NIV and NRSV Artisan Collection Bibles.
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Visually appealing from the inside out, the NIV Artisan Collection Bible and NRSV Artisan Collection Bible will delight you with their gorgeous covers created using a layered alcohol ink painting technique. The printed cover showcases hand-painted flair and foil accents.
Read the New International Version (NIV) Bible translation on Bible Gateway
“Our Artisan Bibles have inspired thousands of readers to see the beauty in God’s Word. These new editions in our second iteration will do the same, and in a unique way because of the one-of-a-kind art technique that Michigan artist Olivia Joy uses,” says Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Bibles. “And we’re thrilled to expand this beautiful line of Bibles into the NRSV translation, providing NRSV readers with beautiful Bibles in their translation of choice.”
Read the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible translation on Bible Gateway
Each page of these Bibles has lightly ruled, wide margins, inviting you to journal, reflect, take notes, and create art. As you start reading, let your eyes relax as you take in more of God’s Word with the exclusive Zondervan Comfort Print® typeface, carefully designed with custom fonts to be easy and enjoyable to read.
Bible Gateway interviewed Olivia Joy, artist of the latest NIV and NRSV Artisan Collection Bibles (Zondervan, 2020).
What does it mean to be an abstract, mixed-media artist?
Olivia Joy: Mixed media means I incorporate all types of paint, ink, pigment, etc. into my work. Compared to a watercolorist or an oil painter, I use a wide variety of materials and techniques and I’m always looking to add more. Experimentation is just as important as creation in my process. I love learning new ways to combine materials that mix well or repel due to a chemical reaction. I used to focus on landscape and portrait style art but changed my style to suit the fluid nature of my work now.
What is involved in working with alcohol ink?
Olivia Joy: Painting with alcohol ink is similar to painting with watercolor. Except all water is replaced with isopropyl alcohol or a special blending solution. I use one of those chemicals to dilute my ink and mix colors. Then I pour different ratios onto my work surface and move it around using air, paintbrushes, spatulas, gravity, or any other tool within reach. The paper I work on most often is synthetic, waterproof paper so the ink and alcohol solution glides easily instead of being absorbed by the paper.
How do you get your inspiration for your artwork in general and for your Bible covers specifically?
Olivia Joy: I’m inspired by nearly everything. I pay close attention to color schemes, textures, patterns, and chaos found in nature. And I love mixing odd colors together just to see what will happen. For the Artisan Collection I wanted the covers to evoke inner peace, tranquility, and passion for worship. I was inspired by the idea that in some way my art would help bring the Word of God to all types of people, all over the world.
What do these covers mean to you and how do they inspire you to continue furthering God’s kingdom in your own way?
Olivia Joy: I feel absolutely blessed by this opportunity and I hope these unique, vibrant Bibles attract a broad audience and engage as many of God’s children as possible. Art is my passion, I’ve had many highs and lows throughout my career but I always have known God was guiding me on my journey. It’s both humbling and exciting to realize that my creations will help spread the word of God and help others with their personal journeys.
What is a favorite Bible passage of yours and why?
Olivia Joy: One of my favorite passages on the subject of creativity is Exodus 35:31-33 — “And he has filled him with divine spirit, with skill, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft.” There have been many instances when I’m focusing on my craft in my studio and when I finally step away I wonder how or why I created what I did. I’m certain those creations are his, using my hands and tools as vessels.
[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, KJV, NKJV, and NIV Bibles Get Typeface Makeover]
Bio: Olivia Joy is a 2-D abstract artist living and creating in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She focuses on the use of color, balance, contrast, harmony and texture to evoke emotion in viewers. Olivia gathers inspiration from her surroundings, the dramatic changes in all four seasons, and fleeting everyday occurrences recorded on camera or in sketchbooks. Her style is constantly evolving, and she wishes that every piece sent out into the world is enjoyed and cherished for many years to come.
Artisan Collection Bibles are published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Bible Gateway.
About Comfort Print®
Zondervan Bibles teamed up with 2K/Denmark, the world’s foremost Bible typeface foundry, to create exclusive Comfort Print® Bible fonts. NASB Comfort Print Bibles are easy to read at any size because the typeface was designed to be both efficient and readable. Zondervan Bibles believes that the beauty of the message should be reflected in the physical form of the book. Choosing the right typeface is one significant element in creating beautiful Bibles. To learn more about Comfort Print® fonts, visit www.ComfortPrintBibles.com.
About Zondervan
Zondervan (@Zondervan) is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources, and digital products. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
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The post New Artisan Collection Bibles: An Interview with Olivia Joy appeared first on Bible Gateway Blog.
