Abish

Technique & Style

Abstract, Mixed media

Figures

Abish

Symbols

arrow head, feather, shell

Notes

Submitted to the 2024 International Art Competition.

Artist statement: "The word “literally” is overused but in the Book of Mormon, Abish literally exemplifies the phrase "lift up the hands that hang down." That is why I I felt inspired to highlight her journey in this piece. Abish, a Lamanite woman and servant in King Lamoni's household, had been quietly converted to the Lord for many years due to a vision of her father. Because my father passed away when I was a teenager, I like to think it was a vision where she saw her father. Maybe he showed her a time in the future where - if she was faithful- she would be a tool in the hand of the Lord. Whatever it was, it was enough to convert her to the Lord and commit her to living the gospel - even if she was surrounded by unbelievers. The pivotal moment in Abish's story occurs when King Lamoni, his queen, Ammon and others fall into a trance-like state, overcome by the power of God. Amid the ensuing confusion, Abish sees a divine opportunity - maybe an opportunity seen before in the vision of her father. She runs from house to house, gathering the people to witness the miracle. Abish's actions directly embody the call to "lift up the hands that hang down." When she sees the queen lying unconscious, she physically lifts her by the hand, helping to revive her. Her proactive efforts turn a moment of potential despair into one of spiritual awakening. Her initiative helps bring the community together, leading to collective faith and conversion. The resulting people - the people of Ammon or the Anti-Nephi-Lehis - may have been the most righteous people who have ever walked the earth. Their impact is immeasurable. So many youth today are like Abish - lone believers amidst a sea of apathy, confusion, and worldly or incorrect traditions, or just people who believe differently. It couldn’t have been easy for her to stay faithful all alone. As I worked, I thought about how each piece could symbolize Abish’s choices made throughout her life which made her into who she needed to become in order to be ready to help the Lord with His work when the time came to act. Maybe the butterfly is how she chose to look one day. An arrowhead is her choosing to avoid contention or being judgmental. A piece of pottery for each act of service. A feather for when she didn’t cheat or lie. A little turtle shell as a symbol of the thick skin she needed in order to endure mocking or belittling. A fall leaf could represent her repenting and allowing herself to be changed into someone better. I feel like our Father has a vision for each of us individually and if we are faithful and all of our little choices for good add up, there will be a day where we can be who we need to be to help raise the people around us. We will heed the prompting to share the gospel - maybe even a desire to run from house to house and invite all to come and see the hand of God! In that divinely appointed day, we will be where we need to be to point out miracles to everyone around us. It is my hope that this piece mirrors Abish’s Christlike desire to lift the hands that hang down as explained in the last verse in Alma 19, (the chapter featuring Abish): “And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name.”

*I chose artifacts from indigenous peoples ranging from North America, Central America and South America so as not to imply that Abish is an ancestor to any individual group of people or tribe. Of note, some of the pottery dates back to the 14th century. Many of the arrowheads are true artifacts from their time. Pieces are used in their natural state.