Much of what humanity was meant to be was lost to sin. Just think of the words we use to describe our wrongs – untrusting, unloving, dishonest, heartless, etc… As Mel Lawrenz has said “Sin is the -less, un-, dis- of created order… sin has no existence in and of itself,” all sin can do is take what we once had.
Jesus came to buy back humanity for what it was meant to be. He is restoring solidarity to human relationships with love, trust, and sacrifice such as his. We are going to get there, but it takes roller coaster of experiences along the way.
Through portraits and other paintings of humanity, I have been able to capture a bit of my spiritual journey with Jesus; and hopefully, some of yours. I have found the simplicity of cubism and variations of the one stroke method most apt to represent the complexion human experience.
Brokenness, 24×30, Oil on Canvas Board, 2001. Inspiration: After surviving cancer at age 15, I needed a bypass on the surgical site seven years later. Many dreams, ambitions, and aspects of pride were broken in me between the two surgeries, but in the end I learned to embrace the brokenness as abiding in Jesus. Status: Private Collection
Depression, 16×20, Acrylic on Canvas Board, 2003. Inspiration: Depression is multifaceted. It is composed of spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and other factors. Depression is not just a clinical issue; it is a necessary cycle of life that brings balance after peaks of adrenaline. Embrace it as normal; embrace it as necessary, yet also embrace its design to be temporary. Status: For Sale
Joy, 12×18, Acrylic on Paper, 1999. Inspiration: Happiness is too fragile to pursue because it is altered by the tides of life’s happenings. I am not saying that tears and sadness never overtakes us, but in Jesus we find the serenity for a slight and quiet smile in the roughest times of life. Status: For Sale
One, 20×24, Acrylic on Cardboard, 2001. Inspiration: I do not think there is any greater expression of relationship between people than a man and woman in monogamous union for a lifetime. Status: For Sale
Liberty, 36×48, Acrylic on Masonite, 2003. Status: For Sale
Peter, 16×20, Acrylic on Masonite Board, 2001. Inspiration: Okay, so I got the colors wrong, but if you cannot mess up while painting your best friend, when can you? Status: For Sale
Age, 18×24, Acrylic on Canvas, 2003. Inspiration: We have to find the beauty in aging, a vision for using our wealth of experiences to make a difference for the next generation in the name of Jesus. Status: Gifted
Primary Woman Part 1, 8×12, Acrylic on Masonite, 2004. Status: For Sale
Primary Woman Part 2, 8×12, Acrylic on Masonite, 2004. Status: For Sale
Self Portrait, 8×12, Acrylic on Masonite, 2004. Status: For Sale
Look at What My LIfe has Cost, 18×30, Oil on Canvas, 1997. Status: Private Collection
Intense, 18×24, Acrylic on Canvas Board, 1996. Inspiration: My high school dreams of being a basketball player, although childish, were pursed with great intensity. When you have a dream that means something to you, you loose a lot to chase it. Status: Private Collection
Windy Day, 18×24, Oil on Canvas Board, 1997. Inspiration: My sister is one of the most beautiful people in the world, and often a helper and subject matter for my work. Status: Private Collection
