Treenity

Oil pastel on paper

22 x 30 in

2010

 

In response to my Christian background, this landscape responds to the three theological Christian entities and their ever-developing relationship with humanity, eg. The Holy Trinity: The Son, The Father, and The Holy Spirit. Holding tight to the personal belief that a higher force is not contained within the brick buildings topped with steeples seen at almost every street corner in my region, (South Eastern United States) I find that spiritual guidance can be found in nature. Embedded in this landscape, I've translated The Holy Trinity into physical representations: The tree represents the physical presence of Jesus Christ (The Son). The tree is weathered and holds tight through many earthly conditions as an example of sacrifice and humility. The Sun represents The Father our Lord. The Sun seems distant but look to the sky and it is there. What about when Earth is cast into darkness at night? The Sun is still present just as our Lord is present in the darkest of situations. Through faith, one can feel the comforting presence of God. The tree eclipses the sun which casts an intangible shadow on the crop below. There are two important symbols represented: The shadow symbolizing the Holy Spirit and the crop personified as humanity. The reaching shadows created by the branches of the tree seem to embrace the crop. Utilizing a play on words, I created a physical relationship between my natural sanctuary and the symbols of the Christian faith, Trinity now including the word Tree: "Treenity"

Done