Check out this Y Magazine feature of an honorable mention winner in our Book of Mormon Art Contest! You can see Joseph Namingha’s “Record of My People” in the Book of Mormon Art Catalog.
Artist statement: “Since the beginning, God’s children have recorded their interactions with the Great Creator on papyrus, gold plates, and through art. This abstract acrylic-on-canvas piece continues this tradition and illustrates many of the “plain and precious truths” found in the Book of Mormon. My first interactions with the Book of Mormon came from illustrated stories featuring such figures as Nephi, the Stripling Warriors, and Moroni. These artistic renditions vividly appear in my mind to this day and are forever tied to basic gospel principles. As a result, I desired to create an art piece that evoked a deeper connection to the Spirit and continued remembrance of core doctrine. Based on 2 Nephi 3:12, this piece visually represents the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph by including their Hebrew spellings on the spines of each shoe. Each panel, starting from the outside of the left foot and continuing to the right, depicts stories from the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. The left foot shoe (stick of Judah) carries the inscription of θεός, which translates to “God.” The right foot shoe (stick of Joseph) utilizes the Cree word for “Creator.” The placement of these names shows that God is directing the wearer’s path and attached directly to the sole. The four lines of the outside left panel detail the creation story, progressing from darkness to light. The inside left panel features the Star of David, signifying the birth of Christ. The inside right panel features a Zuni Sunface representing the resurrection of Christ and his visit to the people in America. The outside right panel depicts the first vision. In addition, it symbolizes baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, making covenants in the temple, and utilizing the Book of Mormon as a guide towards eternal life.”
