Journey to the Tree of Life

Technique & Style

Digital illustration, Figurative

Figures

Indistinguishable

Symbols

city, could, fruit, light, path, rod, tree

Notes

Artist statement: "I have always been a little dissatisfied with artwork depicting the Tree of Life and Lehi’s Dream. They show a very straight, paved, and easy pathway to the tree. Even with the mists of darkness around, it doesn’t seem like the rod is necessary to get to the end destination and taste the fruit. I’ve always felt that life is harder than that. I once heard a speaker describe the journey to the tree as being more like the hike to Angel’s Landing—a steep and treacherous narrow path with cliffs on each side, where the only option for not falling is to cling and hold fast to the rod on the path. I relate so much to this analogy. Ever since I heard it, I have wanted to paint it. I decided to paint it digitally in Procreate. Instead of using models, I decided to use generic black silhouettes to depict the figures. I feel that this ambiguity allows viewers to place themselves into the painting at whatever point or situation they feel that they are on the path. I feel that my unique depiction of this well-known story can help people relate to it and find hope for pushing forward on this difficult journey, reach the tree, partake of the fruit, and choose to stay there."

Commissioned Status

Submitted to the 2024 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest.

Church Affiliation of the Artist

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints