Commissioned Series for Good Shepherd New York for Lent 2023
Artist Statement
Working on this art series, I explored the ways that Jesus demonstrated love beyond the miracles. It's easy to forget that He had ordinary days just like us, and that He was fully human, all strings attached.
Divine love didn’t just come through mystical miracles; they happened in the middle of moving relationships. He engaged with people on a level that made people feel seen, making sure he’s not counting anyone out; a take that may have been too controversial then... probably even today.
Amidst all the ordinary days, He heals a blind man with mud, and brings dead Lazarus walking alive out of the tomb. He seemed to have a lot of faith in people.
I can imagine Him in the wilderness, alone with the deepest echoes of His own thoughts. We all know what it feels like to face the facets of yourself that you've unearthed in solitude and feeling scared of the monsters you didn’t know existed.
And that triumphant welcome: Jesus understands humanity’s short-sightedness and love for grandeur, and how this causes people to miss the mark of the Kingdom. He knows how events will unfold and appears to be wrestling with the human condition as he experiences this moment. Perhaps he is also experiencing a sense of sadness as he desires to be known, not in fame, but in an intimate understanding. Yet as his journey draws to a close, the people are still unable to truly know him.
At least he gets that last moment with His friends. Was that a festive moment, or one filled with sadness and anticipation? He only had this moment and he chose not a pulpit, but a table and a meal.
And when He comes back... maybe all it takes is his voice and he's known.
These pivotal moments reveal Jesus’ God-ness: the desire for communion through the human experience.
I might have more questions than answers coming out of this, and that's okay. I could keep asking, and I think that's the beauty of it all.
Year: 2023