THE EX VOTO PROJECT HEART #2 | Theexvotoproject

The Ex Voto Project
Limited Edition Heart #2
"Sola Fide"
Designed By Amy Jean Showalter

ABOUT AMY'S EX VOTO HEART DESIGN: "Sola Fide" is a Latin phrase that means "Faith Alone." Sola Fide points out that Salvation is truly possible through Faith, not works, as Ephesians 2:8-9 explains: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

I really loved designing this second pin for The Ex Voto Project Heart series. As an artist, when you're creating art that has to be readable and convey a message when it's only an inch and a half tall it’s a huge and challenging endeavor.

The inspiration for my pin originated from an innate desire to express something that was profoundly meaningful to me. Since my Faith in Jesus is one of the most important things in my life, I thought it would be fitting to create a tangible object representational of that. I also thought that it went hand-in-hand with the original concepts and spiritual theme of The Ex Voto Project.

My pin depicts a hand with its thumb, ring and index fingers pointing upward and the other two fingers curled in. The palm of the hand draws you inward, picturing a heart with an eye in its center. If you study ancient religious art, you’ll find many times Jesus has his hand up in this very position. As Christian art evolved, symbols, including Christ's hand gestures, took on deeper significance.

With the thumb opened, the three open digits came to represent the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit), while the two closed represented the dual nature of Christ as both man and God. This hand signal was also used to indicate that someone was teaching.

The most amazing thing about the time when these pieces of artwork existed, most people could not read. The ubiquity of New and Old Testament images in art originates from the need to visually illustrate and spiritually inspire largely illiterate audiences on an emotional level, rather than an intellectual manner. The Good News of the Gospel through pictures and paintings meant every gesture, color, and form contained meaning. It's so fascinating to find out what the intent of the art was. You can look at those old Renaissance paintings and think they are beautiful but then when you find out the catechistic intention, it takes on a new light and significance...one could even say, Revelation!

That's what I wanted to convey with my pin...not only is it beautiful, but there exists an underlying depth and reverberation that is subsequently richer for the soul. The heart with the eye in the center of the is a nod to the very first pin in this series designed by Jill Marie Townsend, a continuum of sorts. The eye is representational of the Eye of God. The placement of the eye is intentional. It rests in place of the nail hole usually seen in Jesus’ hand, inflicted by His crucifixion. To me, when you put all the components together it tells the story of God, who has created a way for us to be redeemed through Jesus’ death on the cross. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God offers us Salvation through Faith, and Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (that’s why it’s the teaching hand).

Overall, I feel my design symbolizes the omniscience of God, who watches over all things. Within the human heart, God's spirit resonates within our souls. My Hope is that when you wear this pin, you will be reminded of this Timeless, Unconditional, and Everlasting Love. That you can Faithfully carry out this Promise and share its sentiment with your fellow neighbor and loved ones!

Aloha, Ya’ll! My name is Amy Jean Showalter, and I am so many things, to so many different people. First and foremost, I am a dedicated wife and mom. Most days I can be found tending to the vegetables in my victory garden in the morning, but also scheming a new carpentry project for my home in the afternoon! I am also a wedding photographer in Austin, Texas! I fell in love with photography because there is no better medium to capture Love and Joy! These sweet and fleeting moments are treasures that need to be preserved fully and documented for posterity. By far, there is nothing more beautiful to capture than Love, an honor really. I just absolutely Love...LOVE!!!

Buy It Now!!!

Austin is home, but it’s Aloha at heart. I lived in Hawaii for fifteen years before making the brave move to Austin. I will tell you right now, Hawaii is as beautiful as it seems and more. It was alluring, warm, and special. I felt drawn and compelled to capture every bit of it, and that’s how I fell in love with photography. Snapping photos of beaches and flowers quickly evolved into wedding photography.

I not only fell in love with photography in Hawaii, but I also fell in love with the most amazing man. He is beyond the man of my dreams, I could not do what I do with the joy that I have without him. He is my rock and my best friend. Our entire story took place amongst the magenta bougainvillea bushes, sun-drenched beaches, and busy Honolulu streets. It’s a crazy story, but we chose each other, and every day we get to choose each other all over again. Our love grew on that island, we have two wonderfully zany children, Jovi and Nixon.

Nixon and Jovi are beyond smart and so so sweet. They continually impress me every day with their Kindness & Generosity. Our island home on Oahu was everything to us, and saying goodbye was heart-wrenching, but we are proud to say that Austin is where we live and love now.

Follow Amy At:
Amy Jean Photography
& On Instagram:
@Amy.Jean_

"Heart To Heart"

Q & A With My Friend Amy

Amy, I first wanted to start of by saying Thank You for agreeing to be a featured Artist with The Ex Voto Project! I knew from the moment we started talking about this work, our collaboration would be positive and optimistic. I am full of Gratitude for this opportunity to take our friendship to a new place. Mahalo for sharing your spectacular talents with us...I am so thankful we shared this amazing experience together...your Generosity will remain with me forever!!! Now let's get to some questions!...

Richert: So, what's the first thing you thought of this morning?

Amy: I woke up and prayed. I do that every morning. Before I even start moving around. I thank God, for all the blessings in my life.

Richert: What's something that you feel like should be on your to-do list but it's not?

Amy: Ugh, folding laundry!!!

Richert: And what's your go-to breakfast?

Amy: 3 over easy eggs, zucchini, asparagus, and sweet peppers. I eat it every day.
Richert: Sounds DELISH!

Richert: Who's your favorite artist?

Amy: That’s super hard. I love Gian Lorenzo Bernini the Italian sculptor, But some modern artist that I like are Gustavo Rimada, and Dave Quiggle.

Richert: What is your favorite scent?

Amy: Actually perfumes give me headaches, but I really love peppermint and lavender.

Richert: How would your pet describe herself if she could?

Amy: Our dog Selah, is totally high maintenance, I think of her as a loyal but insecure Valley girl. Who can get her paws wet, yet needs physical touch all the time.

Richert: What's the most luxe thing that you've ever worn or owned?

Amy: I'm super low maintenance! Even my wedding dress cost only a few hundred dollars. I only typically buy jeans that are around $20.00. My Husband's Mom, however, has amazing taste and from time to time she will gift me some fancy Prada shoes!

Richert: What is something you can never over-invest in?
Amy: Relationships.
Richert: Amen Sister!

Richert: What is your most prized possession?

Amy: My mom passed a way a few years ago, she was really poor but I suspect she must have saved up for a long time and got me this beautiful antique ruby necklace with a white leather case. When we moved from Hawaii to Texas it was stolen from me. I thought it was gone forever but 6 months later I got a call from the police who had recovered it. I was so grateful to get it back!

Richert: How do you think Selah the puppy dog would describe you?
Amy: I think she would say that I’m a very tough loving individual, but that she knows how to break my walls down.

Richert: Adulting is so hard nowadays during this crazy and uncertain pandemic, how have you been coping?
Amy: Actually, we have been very fortunate. I have homeschooled my children for years and my husband works from home. I also had just quit working for a wedding photography company before the lockdowns started so I didn’t have any wedding gigs lined up. I know a lot of people in the wedding industry that lost thousands in business. So, all we had to do was make some changes socially and wear a mask. It could have been way worse and I’m very thankful that it wasn’t.

Richert: What is your favorite movie of all time?
Amy: Labyrinth.

Richert: What is your favorite song of all time?

Amy: Every New Day, by Five Iron Frenzy.

Richert: Favorite song lyrics?
Amy:

When I was small, the furthest I could reach,

Was not so high. Then I,
thought the world was so much smaller,
Feeling I could fly

Through distant deeps and skies,
Beyond infinity,
Below the face of Heaven,
He stoops to create me.

Dear Father, I need You,
Your strength my heart to mend.
I want to, fly higher,
Every new day again.

Richert: Now, let's talk about your creative process...I know you are a wedding photographer by trade...What is your creative approach to capturing moments for such an important day in a loving couple's lifetime?

Amy: My approach comes from my collective experiences over time working at a variety of weddings. Knowing what the timeline allows for. But then again, my ultimate goal is in capturing the couples love story whatever that might mean because it's different for each couple. I've been married a little over 10 years now. Hopefully this is just the beginning. Marriage is wonderful, it strengthens you, and challenges you. When you are standing up at the alter reading your vows to one another I'm cheering the whole time. (I might even be crying) Because I know that the sacred journey you are about to embark on is something incredibly beautiful.

Richert: What's the most important thing for you when documenting your art through a camera lens?

Amy: Because I'm not creatively free to express whatever I want to I'm really setting my standards high to express the couples personality. I know that your experience as a client with me matters. For that reason I will strive endlessly to treat every single person I encounter with kindness, patience , authenticity, and attentiveness. I go to great lengths to understand my couples, by really listening, and celebrating with them. That connection helps me to capture memorable photographs. Every couple is different in the ways they interact with each other. By diving deeper I'm able to represent their personal relationship and what makes it special.

Richert: Do you remember the first thing you ever drew and were proud of, can you describe it?

Amy: In first grade my art teacher had me draw a penguin. I was terrible at art but I still remember that penguin and I kept it for years. I'm not sure what happened to it but it was definitely the first thing I was proud of.
Richert: As a kid I was obsessed with Origami! I constantly begged my Mom to buy me fancy Japanese paper at Shirokiya...most of the time she refused, but every once in a while she yielded...I think, just to make me stop whining!!!

Richert: I also know that in the past you have worn the "hat" of a tattoo artist...I was recently browsing through the sketchbook you published in 2015 documenting your artwork, and I am so impressed by your talent. I know you drew on that experience to help you design this pin for The Ex Voto Project. Is tattooing still on the radar for you?

Amy: Yeah I was a tattoo artist for about 15 years! I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to it although lately I've been tempted.

Richert: At what age did you feel confident in your voice as an artist?
Amy: I'm still not sure if I feel confident as an artist. I think artists tend to be there own worst critics, but I know that I’m capable and that I have my own style and that makes me proud.

Richert: What photographers do you admire and feel utterly inspired by?

Amy: My best friend Amber Schoniwitz from Hawaii has always been one of my biggest inspirations and influences. To say she is talented is an huge understatement. She is a spellbinding photographer, resin artist and calligraphy practitioner. Actually, I think she should be considered for the next Ex Voto Project pin design.
Richert: Ohhh...something to ponder! Put me in touch with her.

Richert: Amy, would you consider yourself a "Creature Of Habit”?

Amy: I would like to say that I am very habitual like I eat the same breakfast every day and I read my Bible every morning. But I'm also kind of a mess. I mean that half the days I'm not even sure what I'm going to end up doing.
Richert: I can totally relate, Amy! Some days I have my punch list, tons of motivation and determination and in the same week, another day, I wake up at 10:00am and I wander aimlessly just trying to find my way like a tumbling tumbleweed in the chaotic winds...The struggle is real for creators!!!

Richert: What's your biggest pet peeve?

Amy: I really don't understand impatient drivers.

Richert: Do you have a morning or evening skincare beauty routine? Your skin always looks healthy & glowing! If so, please share & reveal your secrets!
Amy: Thanks!, My biggest secret is that I never cleanse my face with soap. I use Jojoba oil to remove my make up. Since I stopped using face wash I've noticed that my skin has gotten so much better. I also use eye cream from time to time but I’m not very consistent.

Richert: I know that you also like to surround your home with beauty...The interiors you have created & documented on your Instagram feed are gorgeous! I am particularly OBSESSED with the vintage camper remodel you did last year! What three staples should everyone have in their homes without fail?
Amy: I think people need to determine what their design style is first and stick to that. Don't try to do different styles in every different room. Consistency is key. But always remember to surround yourself with artifacts you love! But I personally believe everybody needs, good lighting, plants, and good storage.

Richert: What are you currently excited about in life right now?
Amy: Well as you know, I'm super big on home improvement and building things. I'm almost finished building a huge entertainment center for our loft. I'm really excited about finishing that. And then I think we're going to remodel our kitchen so I can't wait for that project to begin.

Richert: If you could distill your personality into one item of clothing, what would it be and why?
Amy: A good Bra, I’m supportive, strong and not afraid to put the hard work in but I can also be cute and flirty and fun.
Richert: I love this answer dammit!

Richert: What's something you learned recently that really impressed you or blew your mind?
Amy: I'm currently taking a course on biblical theology and we just had a guest speaker teaching about Counseling. Her dissertation was truly an epiphany. I think everybody should take some time to learn how to be a good friend. What to say and what not to say and how to love them through crisis. One of the things she taught was that when people are in crisis they just want to be heard, seen, and know they aren’t alone.

Richert: What's your favorite pizza?
Amy: All the Pizzas under the sun, just without onions. I'm a huge Pizza fanatic!

Richert: Do you have any regrets, Amy?
Amy: I totally do. But I think they are important to have because those regrets have taught me how to be a better person and to not relive them.

Richert: What was the last thing that made you cry?
Amy: My family and I just watched "Finding Ohana", it's basically "The Goonies" set in Hawaii. Moving away from Hawaii was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life and by the end of the movie I was sobbing because I just wanted to be back there with my hair in the Tradewinds and my feet in the sand. I miss Hawaii dearly!

Richert: And when was the last time you were surprised?
Amy: My best friends Amber and Corinne threw me a surprise birthday party this year. I had no idea. We went out for brunch and then we stopped at my mother-in-law's house. I was so tired and couldn't wait to go home and relax but when we pulled up there was a big party waiting for me and it was absolutely stunning. I have the best friends!

Richert: What's your favorite book?
Amy: Is it too cliché to say the Bible? Hahaha.
Richert: That's why it's called The Good News!

Richert: What is the best advice you ever received?
Amy: Read your Bible, pray every day, pray every day, pray every day.

Richert: What is the best advice you ever given?
Amy: Any good advice that I've ever given has come from God. I can't take credit for it.

Richert: What's a place in the world that always makes you feel safe?
Amy: My safe place would definitely be Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Only in the Summer though when it's nice and flat and the water is crystal clear blue azure. I could stay there all day then head over to Foodland for some Poke and then go right back!

Richert: Amy, what do you want to be remembered for?
Amy: I would love to be remembered for living a life filled with love for other people.

Amy's Charity
Operation Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid 19th century. They were used by African American slaves to escape into free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. The original Underground Railroad was a group that acted and infiltrated.

Since being founded in December of 2013, we've gathered the world's experts in extraction operations and in anti-child trafficking efforts to bring an end to child slavery. O.U.R.'s Ops Team consists of former CIA, past and current law enforcement, and highly skilled operatives that lead coordinated identification and extraction efforts. These operations are always in conjunction with law enforcement throughout the world.

Once victims are rescued, a comprehensive process involving justice for the perpetrators and recovery and rehabilitation for the survivors begins.

It is time for private citizens and organizations to rise up and help. It is our duty as a free and blessed people.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each of Amy's Sola Fide pins will be donated to Operation Underground Railroad's worthy cause. Your purchase today makes you an honorary Armchair Abolitionist, becoming part of an exclusive group of people fighting modern-day slavery.