Our Mothers Knew It

Technique & Style

Figurative, Painting

Figures

Nephite Mother

Symbols

flame, hand

Notes

Artist statement: "Though not always obvious, the faith of mothers in the Book of Mormon is inspiring and heroic. One example that has always touched me is the martyrs of Ammonihah. These mothers had discovered the truth of the gospel, and were willing to give their lives up as a testimony of their faith and conviction. The threat of death by fire for them could not have been as painful a thought as their own children being burned with them, yet they stayed firm, unwilling to take back their testimonies. Like the mothers of the strippling warriors, we can teach those around us about what it means to be firm in the faith. Integrity is contagious, and when we dare to stand for what we believe, others cannot help but do the same. We see this throughout the Book of Mormon, and I have seen it in my own life. My biological mother and other motherly figures in my life have shown me through their sacrifices that they believe in the truth, and this has helped me to strengthen my own testimony and fear not when metaphorical fires threaten my temporal happiness. The mothers in Ammonihah must have clutched their children with tight yet loving embraces as they felt the pain of a martyr's death, yet with that seeming sacrifice, they showed their children the truth of the gospel in a more profound way than words could ever accomplish. This heroic act inspires me to be more bold in my faith, and to show others through my actions that I too know that Jesus Christ lives and that His gospel is restored on this earth today. Process Used: I used oil paint to create this piece, with abstract flames surrounding a mother holding her child. I wanted the piece to be more focused on the love of the mother and the strength of her testimony than the flames surrounding her."

Commissioned Status

Submitted to the 2024 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest.