Seeing and Reflecting God in Art: Interview with Emily
Some of us may know Emily Seck and the art that she does through her calendar. She has illustrated a number of verses from John over the years, and she has graciously shared her artwork with us. We hope to share a verse a month as we work through the book of John together as a church.
Here, Emily shares with us what prompted her to illustrate and compile a calendar. This month, we share the illustration from John 6:35, which features the beautiful Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis).
Hi! I'm Emily Seck, a botanical artist and calligrapher who grew up in GBC, where my family still attends.
I have been blessed with a foundation in God's Word from an early age through Junior Church, Sunday School, and a Christian education. While this upbringing does not make one a believer, I'm grateful for how God used it to plant and nurture seeds of faith in my life.
My love for nature, particularly plants, was cultivated in my mother's (Lye Kean) garden, where her background as a science teacher helped me appreciate the intricate details of God's creation. Art has always been close to my heart—from taking it in O and A Levels to pursuing architecture as a career.
A significant shift came when I left architecture during my pregnancy. Though initially uncertain, this "break" (now 5+ years!) became God's way of redirecting my path. Despite my struggles with confidence—creatively, personally, and spiritually—God has been faithful in showing me that being His child is sufficient.
In 2020, what started as a simple suggestion to compile a calendar turned into a Spirit-led journey. The 2021 Botanical Calendar featuring God's Attributes became my first major project, opening doors I never expected. God has provided countless encouragements through the GBC community—friends who encourage me to keep creating, the Grace News team and other church members who helped with proofreading, to collaborating with my uncle Chong Tien on Chinese calligraphy versions.
Over the years, many of my artworks have been inspired by John's gospel, which I am excited to share with our church family. My prayer is that these pieces will remind you of God's character and help you share His truth with others. I'm just a fellow believer who has experienced God's graciousness in using my small offerings for His glory.
Click on the image to download a copy! Feel free to use on your phones as a wallpaper.
If you have any creative inclinations—whether it is an eye for detail, the ability to string words together, cooking, baking, gardening, crafting, or capturing moments on your phone—I encourage you to explore them as ways to capture and share the beauty of God's creation with others.
"Jesus is the Bread of Life" features the beautiful Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), a tree with distinctive lobed leaves and pointed tips. Its fruit—versatile for roasting, baking, frying, or boiling—offers a taste reminiscent of freshly baked bread or potato when cooked.
This artwork invites reflection on how Jesus nourishes our souls, offering true satisfaction and abundance in our lives. Just as bread sustains our physical bodies, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment that truly fulfills us.
In moments of busyness or distraction, we might find ourselves turning to other sources for fulfillment. Yet through His sacrifice, Jesus offers Himself as living bread—a constant source of life and nourishment available to all who seek Him.
You can find this remarkable tree at Gardens by the Bay and the Botanic Gardens. When you encounter it, perhaps it will serve as a gentle reminder of Christ's presence as the Bread of Life—one who offers nourishment, satisfaction, and sustenance for our spiritual journey.
May this artwork inspire moments of reflection on the beauty of finding true nourishment in Christ's Word as we grow in relationship with Him.