That I Might Serve You

Technique & Style

Abstract, Drawing

Figures

King Benjamin, Nephites

Symbols

crown, house, rock, sun, temple, tool

Notes

Artist statement: "I felt drawn (haha get it?) to illustrate the unexpected heroic figure of King Benjamin helping his people. I drew King Benjamin helping build the temple alongside others also working on the temple. I enjoyed pondering King Benjamin's story while working on this piece. Through studying the Book of Mormon and aspects of the gospel, I've greatly admired the symbolism found within and that is something I've tried to include in my art work. The yellow color of King Benjamin's crown matches the yellow coming from the sun. King Benjamin teaches us that when we are serving others, we are really serving the "Son." The yellow in the crown guides our eyes to the yellow of the sun and its rays, similarly to how righteous leaders point and guide our thoughts and actions to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The hammer and nails found on the table at the bottom of the art piece have connection to Christ's crucifixion. Those instruments symbolize the great suffering Christ went through because of His infinite love for each of us. We learn from this that we too can go through difficult times and rise up and grow from them with the help of our Savior. Similarly to how the hammer and nails can build the Houses of the Lord, within those walls, we can build our testimonies and conversion to the Gospel of Christ. I enjoyed creating this piece and am grateful for the special time I had working and pondering about the Book of Mormon! Enjoy!"

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