In one of my previous posts I mentioned that I was going
to enter the 10th International Art Competition sponsored by the Church History
Museum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I also mentioned that I was going to wait to
post anything until after the show has started.
Well that show has been up for over a month now and I need to follow
through with what I said. If you can see
the show in person it is really good, but if you cannot go here is a link for
the online version: https://www.lds.org/church/news/tell-me-the-stories-of-jesus-10th-international-art-exhibit-opens?lang=eng
I entered my painting and although it made it through the
first round of judging it was not selected to be in the show. Considering that this was my second professional
painting and the second art competition that I have entered I wasn’t really
expecting I would make it into the show.
Even with my realistic expectations it was still difficult to process
the feelings of rejection. There are a
lot of emotions connected to this show among myself and other Mormon artists I
know and that subject is worth exploring in a future post.
My brother Nick also entered this competition with his awesome
painting Wise Man, Foolish Man. It was
accepted and selected for a purchase award!
The good news is that I submitted my painting to Springville's
30th Annual Spiritual & Religious Art of Utah Show and it was accepted! My painting is entitled the Strait and Narrow
Way. It is mixed media (acrylic, metal
leaf and oil) and the size is 25″ x 60″.
Here are some pictures:
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| The Strait and Narrow Way Copyright 2015 Brad Stephens |
I wrote two different statements for this painting. Both are interesting so I will include both.
This statement was for the LDS 10th International
Art Competition:
The Savior said “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is
the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be
which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
My painting symbolically represents the strait and narrow
path that leads to Heaven. After entering the gate of baptism and receiving the
gift of the Holy Ghost it is required to stay on this path forever. Within the
path are ascending levels of obedience and faithfulness represented by the
different orange colored sections. There are also higher ordinances and
covenants connected with the middle of the path which leads to the highest
degree in heaven. The central honey comb pattern alludes to a promised land
flowing with milk and honey.
Conversely, there are many dangers off the path. Leaving the
path the light diminishes and the dark outlands are full of deceptions and
spiritual death. The dark blue green quagmire is the consequences of sin and is
the broad way, strange roads and forbidden paths mentioned in scripture.
God’s Spirit radiates outward from Heaven (the golden rays)
inviting all to come unto Christ and be saved. Or as it is described in the
Book of Mormon the Savior will “lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow
course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the
wicked—And land their souls…in the kingdom of heaven.” (see Helaman 3:27-30)
This statement is for the upcoming 30th Spiritual
and Religious Art Show.
Using archetypal imagery I depict an illuminated path
ascending into the Heavens. Within this plane are disparate spaces that are
light and dark, ordered and chaotic. In life we pass through extreme
experiences and it’s common to become confused and lost. Thankfully we are not
left to wander alone. Jesus Christ invites everyone to come to him and be
saved. His grace radiates outward providing inspiration and help to us
regardless of where we are in our journey. As we embrace his truth and light he
lifts and carries us across the gulf of misery into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Exhibition Opening Reception is Wednesday, November
18, 2015 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Springville Museum of Art. The show
will run until January 12, 2016. The
Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 5pm, Wednesdays 10am to 9pm, and
Sundays 3pm to 6pm. Closed Mondays and Holidays. Admission is Free. http://www.smofa.org/visit_the_museum/hours/index.html
My brother Nick will have two paintings in this same show
and they are both worth seeing in person.
His painting of Rome is uniquely beautiful and our house feels empty
without it hanging in the hall. His
other painting called Higher Ground is breathtaking and truly elevating.
Nick will also have several paintings available for
collecting in the upcoming 100 Dollar show on December 3, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30
pm at the Springville Museum of Art. You don’t want to miss this!
Brad
