Four artworks are selected for the 2024 European Leadership Forum (ELF) Art Exhibition. ELF, held annually in Wisla, Poland, gathers almost 900 Christian leaders from 51 countries. I am a speaker for the Artist Network on “3 Principles of Creativity from God.” These four pieces are digitally exhibited at the forum in the plenary hall and in ELF’s online venues. Of my 7 submissions, the 4 selected make a wonderful collection.
Follow Me (2001) was a commissioned piece for a pastor in California who didn’t provide prompts or preferences for me. He gave me the freedom to create “something” for him! Based on what I knew of him, I created this piece based on Luke 9:23. The original is approximately 26×20. Medium is charcoal on predyed paper. His wife told me when he opened the package and saw the piece, it brought him to tears. The piece was later sent back to me to be exhibited at the Dallas Biblical Art Museum.
Sub-Creator (2022) reflects on a Thomistic view that God gave humans the incredible dignity of being sub-creators, using the vast resources He made, drawing inspirations and lessons from His creativity, and employing amazing capacities of our minds as those made in His image to create good, benevolent works in the world. My wife told me to create more robot pieces, so this piece was prompted by Thomistic theological aesthetics and my wife’s request.
Stand Firm (2011) is inspired from my many journeys in Yosemite National Park, seeing robust trees growing out of rock on cliffs that overlooked a scenic valley. Stirring in my mind for years, these trees were a metaphor to me of being grounded with strong roots in a solid foundation places you in a state of beauty. Media is charcoal and acrylic on paper. The original was sold at an art show to a school principal who said this piece was an echo of her experiences and a calling for her to stand.
Walk Among Giants (2022) depicts those who lived good, faithful lives with godly character. They selflessly strived, struggled, and sacrificed. They aren’t perfect but their stories and qualities inspire us. We get to walk among them to soak their wisdom, learn from their examples, honor them, and be grateful for them, Their presences is a tremendous grace to our lives.
Luminary Warrior 