Gerrit Verstraete, AOCA, BFA, is an artist in his Masterpeace Fine Art Studio and founder of the Drawing Society of Canada. He lives on Gabriola Island, BC, where he co-pastors with his wife in the Church On The Rock, a fellowship they began in 1993. Visit www.gverstraete.com and www.backtoschoolat65.blogspot.com.

I have been passionate about fine art for over 45 years, including both classical and contemporary traditions, ever since first enrolling as a young student at art college. Little did I know I'd have to account for that journey in light of the Kingdom of God, when I was called into fulltime ministry. Hasn't been easy, especially since my 'major' form has been figurative realism, despite abstract variations. But then, locally, among the children at the Hope Centre here on Gabriola Island, I am known as 'the pancake man,' because I make awesome pancakes. Now that's a reputation worth remembering.