I AM the Light of the World :: Painting

“I AM the True Vine, I AM the Bread of Life, I AM the Light of the World.”

Launched in 2007, this painting represents the first of a series of images that will be featured in my upcoming Re::Creation series. These paintings will attempt to illuminate the religious philosophy that I’ve developed throughout my life and experiences.

From my earliest memories of youth, I recall having an intense spiritual awareness and fascination for the mysteries of the universe. While the strict Christian upbringing served by my family should have reinforced my  standing, the empty rhetoric and dogma of modern Christianity left me feeling diluted by unanswered questions. I sought answers.

Venturing forth on a mission of discovery, I vested hundreds of hours pouring over nearly every religious text and doctrine available. Then, I researched the art of religion. From the primitive cave paintings at Lascaux to the abstract musings of Bosch and beyond. If a man ever had a revelation or inspiration about God, I sought to pick the bone clean.

The perspective that emerged from my research was a tapestry far more colorful and intricate than anything I had previously conceived. I envisioned in my mind’s eye that all living things are connected on a higher plane and that the vast network of life  combined is only a fraction of what the being we call God really is. I made the realization that man, being burdened by fear, and prejudice, could never fully grasp God’s entire being.

We suffer a great amnesia of our divine origin. Through this series of paintings, I hope to probe the core of modern religious structure, tearing away the archaic framework of old school and rebuilding our house anew with a higher conscious of mind. Reawakening.

And now the challenge of illustrating these ideas awaits me.

I have composed a poem to accompany the piece that reads as such:
I AM the fire and I AM the sword,
Broken bread of my flesh redeems the world.
I AM one beside one and one beside one,
Through me into this world you come.
I AM the Path of truth, for my Will be known,
Through Me you’ll pass when my glory is shown.
I AM the Creator and I AM the Trinity,
The fruit of my flesh, is the born of the tree.[/read]

Purchase this print in 16×20 size on Economy Matte.