Young Abish

by Balmforth, Luke

Dated 2023

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Young Abish

by Balmforth, Luke

Artist Information

Name: Balmforth, Luke

Location(s): United States

Gender: Male

Insights

Technique & Style

Figurative, Painting

Figures

Abish, Angel

Symbols

candle, sword

Additional Info

Notes

Exercise Science major, BYU. Artist statement: "One of my close friends has struggled with the roles of men and women in the church. She has found inspiration on her mission in the story of Abish, which inspired me to make Abish the subject of my painting. As I've studied Abish, I have found strength in the part of her story before her experience with the queen. We don't get many details about it, but we know that she was converted to Christianity at a young age through a vision that her father had, and that she stayed faithful for many years amid a culture that was hostile towards her religion. Many times we need to have faith like Abish to continue to build our spiritual foundations in an increasingly chaotic world, and expect miracles in our future. I also love that she sets an example of the power that a spiritually string woman can have. I wanted to depict a young Abish praying in secret in the woods, and represent that she was protected throughout her life by the Lord by adding the angel holding the sword. I used acrylic paints and a board that I found."

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

Church Name

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints