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Bonfire night

Katy Hollamby is a writer and illustrator, who enjoys learning about the important things in life from children. She reminds us of the importance of living with awe and wonder in our urban neighbourhoods. Katy has created some themed art pieces and micro-blogs for Proximity, inspired by places and events in her community.

Inspiration
AN Image of Katy Hollomby Katy Hollamby
29th October 2024
BONFIRE Night Scene

Recently completing her first children’s book, Katy is an artist who constantly invites us to look up and around in amazement with hope and fearlessness. Katy is married to Sam, the local Vicar, and alongside their two children, they love to explore the beauty of their north-west council estate.

Amongst her pieces for Proximity are themes of prayer, trust, and belonging.

In this piece, Bonfire Night, Katy shares about meeting with Jesus in the noise and chaos of her communities Guy Fawkes night celebrations.

“Bonfire night and Eva is ready to see something special.  

The whole estate is already here, and a jostling barrier of black coats and buggies has grown around the bonfire.  

I stop at the back, but Eva wants to be close. To have the fireworks explode right over her head. A space yawns in front of her and she’s out there before I can pull her back. 

“Oh,” she whispers, releasing her foot from ankle deep mud. “That’s why no one is standing here.” Her feet slip and she struggles to stay upright.  

The adults are a bit far away now but she’s desperate to be near, to be part of something wonderful. The ice cream queue unfurls around her mud patch and children wave their sparklers, but she stands alone in the little clearing, biting her lip. It feels a bit weird standing here on her own. Perhaps she should go back. 

She feels, rather than sees her Grandad appear by her side. He’s not afraid of the mud.  

They stand side by side as the first spatter of stars bursts on the night. She tips her chin into the rain-flecked night. 

As I watch my daughter stand with my dad in the muddy clearing, I pray for her heart, and for mine. That mud and chaos will never stop her from chasing God’s adventures.  

And that every time she steps out, his presence would steady her heart.  

And lift her chin.”

Written by

Katy Hollamby

Katy is a church planter living in Hattersley near Manchester, along with her husband Sam and two raucous children. Their beautiful council estate has a secret stream that runs like a seam of gold through the middle and is watched over by the elderly foothills of the peak district. Katy loves capturing what Jesus is saying to her through illustration and writing. She gets excited about seeing children’s creativity unleashed and seeing Jesus awaken the imaginations of overlooked people, so they can hear his voice and live.

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AN Image of Katy Hollomby

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