Sketches for "The Way of Holiness" 2018.
Hello! I want to share with you my first triptych painting. I created it for a specific religious art competition, it did not get accepted but that’s okay. I have other plans for displaying this piece.
I conceptualized and created this piece while I was pregnant with our second son, now here in our arms, Baby True. So this piece has a special place in my heart for that reason.
The idea of this piece is the before, during, and after scenes of a wildfire. The last image, has gold leaf spots to represent the new life coming up through the ashes. The left image represents the new spring and life after winter. The center image represents the summer, of the landscape, and the right image being the next growing season.
The Way of Holiness. 24X66 inches, 2018. Oil on canvas.
Artist Statement—
“The Way of Holiness”
Our earth is a beautiful gift God has given to humankind. In this gift we enjoy everyday, processes and changes are continuous. It is in the changes of nature that we can further see eternal principles.
Wildfires have been part of my life growing up in southern California. Over the last decade of painting wildfires I have meditated on the symbolism and importance of this devastating yet natural process of nature.
Wildfires are a symbol of our earthly challenges. It takes faith and hope to look beyond the fire and imagine the new life and change that needs to occur in the landscape.
Many species of plants and animals cannot thrive without fires burning the landscape. Just like we cannot thrive, prove, and become Christlike without adversity. Our journey through life is filled with beauty and challenges. And it is in the challenges were we learn and grow the most.
The journey we are each on is sanctifying us—it is the way of holiness. And after all the trials we experience it is our faith that will shine through the ashes, beaming with light, promise, and blessings—promise of resurrection and eternal life.
The eternal principle of faith and hope conquering the darkest moments are evident in nature’s process of destruction and renewal through wildfires.
“I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”
Ether 12:6
“And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it…”
Isaiah 35:8