Message For All

Technique & Style

Abstract, Digital illustration

Figures

Indistinguishable, Jesus Christ

Symbols

cloud, halo, mountain, robe, spirit, wing

Notes

Microbiology major, BYU. Artist statement: "On aspect of the Book of Mormon that has always had great personal meaning to me is how it firmly emphasizes that the gospel, joy, and salvation of Jesus Christ is offered to all people. In 2 Nephi 26:33 it says: "For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." God and Jesus Christ are both not respecters of persons in the sense that they do not exclude anyone from their love and blessings: All who faithfully desire those things can and will be able to obtain those things through the grace and Atonement of Jesus Christ. In this piece, I wanted to use a simple yet unique way to represent the idea that the Book of Mormon is for all people: regardless of their skin color, differences that may come as the result of unique cultural backgrounds and other traits that are the natural consequence of the immense diversity of human experiences, and that the message of salvation and joy is there for not only the living, but also for those who have passed on before us. The right most figure is represents Christ: He wears a robe and red and gold and is reaching out to figures that can represent both people from the Book of Mormon and us. The two figures that receive Christ are both of different color, but both are wearing robes whose colors match those of the Savior. This represents the idea that every individual is unique and will have their own differences that sets them apart from everyone else. However, when we all come unto Christ, we all take upon ourselves His example and His life, and we all commit ourselves to the same covenants and goal to obtain eternal life. However, our individual processes of developing in and progressing in the gospel will be different from that of others, and is something that should be respected and celebrated. This is represented by the different patterns found on the robes of the blue and green figure. Finally, the white figure flying above in the night sky represents the spirits of our ancestors who have passed before us. All of us owe a great deal of the blessings that we enjoy now to people or someone who came before us. Many of these good people never had the chance to receive the message of Jesus Christ in their lifetimes. However, the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that it heralded brings the wonderful message that the dead are not forgotten by God and Jesus Christ, and that the gospel includes means by which they can come to receive salvation and eternal life as well. I want to proclaim with my art the resounding truth that the Book of Mormon witnesses that God loves and wants to help all people to come back to Him. Alive, dead, regardless of differences in culture, ethnicity, and any other distinguishing attribute. He wants each and all of us. And thus in the same spirit, we as saints and children of God, all ought to strive to learn to love all people and desire the hopeful vision that all people can come together to form a joyful society with God: One of true peace, acceptance, love, and opportunity for all to feel able to progress and grow towards greater divinity as one unified body. I think this is partly what God means when He talks of having His saints establish Zion both on earth, and eventually in heaven."

Exhibition History:

• Submitted to the 2023 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest.