“The Resurrection”
Seven words that begin with the letter “R” from the Gospel of John
When I paint, volumes of expressions emerge.
Light and darkness in their various forms, speak.
Lines and colors tell a story.
In this exhibition, they tell of the Easter Resurrection story.
As I read John’s Gospel account of the resurrection of Christ, there were many words that grabbed my attention. I thought of the letter R. Many themes, in Christianity begin with the letter R; repent, reconciled, rapture, redeemed, and righteousness. This inspired the Easter Resurrection exhibition; Seven words that begin with the letter “R” from the gospel of John.
These words shed insight into the events after the resurrection.
Resurrection
Rolled
Ran
Reached
Rise
Rabbai
Receive
John says ” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)
Jesus came from heaven to earth, took on human flesh, bore our sins, died a death without committing a sin, resurrected on the third day, appeared to his disciples, and ascended to the right hand of the Father. Jesus, by his own blood, redeemed us, made us righteous, and brought us into a relationship with God the Father, The Son Jesus, and The Holy Spirit.
“Art is the passageway to the soul”
MahLeah Cochran
Artist’s Statement
I feel things deeply; I often ponder the state of humanity, the struggles of our world, and the outlook for our collective future. My art is an expression of my emotions, thoughts, and passions. I express myself outwardly on canvas in color and texture. This is deeply gratifying for me as it allows me to share with others, my innermost feelings.
I choose to use acrylic paints for its quick drying time. This enables me to create layers on the canvas. This helps me demonstrate complexity. I use everyday kitchen items, recycled cardboard, and many other tools to create original forms and textures in my art. I enjoy the journey of painting new pieces. There is a thrill in discovering what my work will yield next. It’s what keeps me engaged. I paint to inspire, challenge, and calm the soul.
The Artist

With a passion for expressing life through art, Mah Leah Cochran’s works feature themes involving nature and the human condition. Her art is characterized by its broad diversity of subject, symbolism, color, texture, and form.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Mah Leah Cochran holds degrees in Economics and Political Science with a minor in International Affairs from Hofstra University in New York. She has devoted much of her energy to helping others both in her career and in her humanitarian work around the world.
Mah Leah Cochran has traveled extensively to work with NGOs including Doctors for life International in Africa and also with many other organizations in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Her work with children in South Africa, aid work in the aftermath of the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, and aid efforts in the wake of the total devastation of the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti have made a lasting impact on her worldview and exposed her to realities that influence her art, life, and pursuits to this day.