I started a series of 7 bible figures and the characters that I chose were not at random. I waited for God to bring people into my path who would spark a light in me to bring the images to life. The image of each bible character actually have scriptures in the background from the bible on that particular character. This is my way of bringing scripture to life. My hope is that the viewer will stop and take time to read the scriptures along with my visual art interpretation of how I imagined each of the bible characters would have looked like in their day.
Jacob Of Israel was the first to be painted in my series. I have often obsessed over the 12 tribes wanting to know more and more about their validity in biblical content. Actually I intended to only do Jacob and doing him it sparked an energy in me to continue the series.
Apostle Paul has attributes much like my own son so I painted him with similar facial attributes. The hands of Apostle Paul were modeled by my son-in-law holding a actual antique cross from an old church in Texas. All of this has personal meaning to me as an artist, a mom, and a lover of Christ.
Deborah: A Warrior is a true example of women I personally know who are not afraid to go up against the enemy in battle with their swords of faith held high.
Esther: Orphan To Queen came to me through the suggestion of the highly respected and loved Pastor Darla Rakes.
John the Baptist had to be included as he prepared the way for the Almighty King, willing to get down and dirty in the muck of the Jordan River as he allowed his hands to be tools in the cleansing of our souls.
Nehemiah: A Cup Holder To Builder - A cup bearer was carefully chosen. It was a prestigious position to bear the cup for the King of Prussia. However, Nehemiah was given a larger assignment by the Almighty God. After much prayer, patience, and seeking God’s will, Nehemiah went before the king and asked that he be relieved of his position in order to rebuild Jerusalem. Permission was granted. Nehemiah was a very smart man and governor.
Revelations 12:1 ".....and her head a crown of 12 stars."
I attempted to imagine what she would look like. How did John see her in his vision? I think she is strong, beautiful, and favored. There are stars in her crown and a cloak of Israel. That's how I perceive it in my artists's heart.