The God of Nature Suffers

Technique & Style

Abstract, Etching

Figures

Jesus Christ

Notes

Artist statement: "The kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the Spirit of God, to exclaim: The God of nature suffers.” (1 Nephi 19:12) Imitating the style of carvings from the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, this block print uses several Maori designs to represent some of what our Saviour suffered for us, and why he did so. The left panel contains “Pakati (incise) Haehae (lacerate)”, symbolising the wounds Jesus received from scourge, nails and spear. The right panel contains the “Takarangi”, which translates to “revolving heavens” and symbolises man’s celestial origin. These themes of mortal suffering and divine identity are connected by the middle panel, spanned by the arms of Christ as he hangs in agony on a cross. Knowing that the possibility of us reaching our heavenly potential required the sacrifice of His mortal flesh and blood, God Himself willingly suffered pain so great that the earth itself was disturbed. The waves and storm-struck islands across the top portray the upheaval experienced by the earth during the immense anguish of its Creator. The heartbreaking price of salvation was written in lightning and shouted by thunder: “The God of nature suffers.”

Commissioned Status

Submitted to the 2024 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest.

Awards

Honorable Mention in the 2024 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest

Exhibition History:

• Harold B. Lee Library, Provo, UT, fall 2024.

Church Affiliation of the Artist

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints