Tree of Life Icon

Technique & Style

Figurative, Painting

Figures

Child, Jesus Christ, Mary

Symbols

cross, fruit, halo, scroll, tree of life

Notes

Art History + Curatorial Studies major, BYU. Artist statement: "This piece was inspired by the long tradition of Marian representations, particularly those of Byzantine iconic art, as well as imagery of the cross as a Tree of Life as found in the apse mosaic from the Basilica of San Clemente, Rome. Regarding the Book of Mormon, I pulled imagery from Nephi’s vision of the condescension of God and the Tree of Life, including the sweet fruit described by his father Lehi and the Virgin “bearing a child in her arms” (1 Nephi 11:20). The nature of icons as windows into another world also fits with the theme of vision in this piece. Though the symbol of the cross is commonly associated with the death of Christ, I find significant meaning in considering the life that comes through the cross, represented by the living vines growing out of it. I think that LDS art culture has much to learn from the global artistic dialog, both ancient and modern, and this painting intends to familiarize Latter-day Saints with the symbols and style of another group of believers."

Exhibition History:

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

Church Name

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints