5.09.2011

Shake You to the Core

My journey as an artist has been anything but what I expected it to be. From the time I was little I knew I wanted to paint pictures. After many years of painting only landscape paintings I had the itch to start doing more religious images. These were very satisfying to me because I could communicate through my art how I felt about Jesus Christ. When I painted “One Nation Under God”, little did I know I was about to embark on a journey that would shake me to the core.

It all started in 2008 when I decided to pray when feeling discouraged concerning what was happening in the election. I asked, “What can I do, I’m just an artist?” At that moment I saw the image in my mind for the "One Nation Under God" painting. Later I felt impressed to paint “The Forgotten Man.” This painting came after I prayed regarding the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. I think that the Lord often waits for us to simply come to Him and ask the question...what should I do?

I know that these paintings can be very divisive. Some people have been angry that I would use my art to speak this way. I can't think of any person who has ever stood up for what was right that did not offend others. This life is not a popularity contest.

As an artist, I feel that I have no stronger medium to communicate my thoughts and feelings about what is happening in this country than my paintings. Right now our country is divided on many issues and I imagine this will continue to become more profound over time. May we remember to pray and ask the Lord to inspire us as to what we can do. But remember, sometimes the answer will shake you to the very core!

12 comments:

  1. I am a proud owner of the above art and would like to encourage you to keep using the gifts God has blessed you with and take a stand for what you believe in.

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  2. Beautiful! I've prayed with the same question in mind. I'm grateful for your paintings. This one and many of the others. One Nation Under God is my favorite.

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  3. As I have stated before, someday I will have The Forgotten Man Hanging on my wall, for I feel I am he. Jon, it seems to me that you are being well guided. Keep following the path you have been guided to. Thank you

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  4. I also was concerned with the election and prayed to know what to do and where I could best use my talents. I feel the same way coming up on another important election in 2012 and I hope to follow the Spirit and use my gifts to influence others in a way that I feel is best. So I'm sincerely confused because we have opposite political beliefs and work for opposing ideologies. So i guess my question is, in your mind, am I deceived? Or is there a way that both of us in our efforts and righteous diligence have received inspiration to do what we do?

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  5. Joseph,
    That seemed like a sincere question. I believe that God is for freedom and Satan is for slavery. The closer we are to following the Constitution the more freedom we have. I am not for Democrat or Republican if they don't conform to principle. If you feel that God wants us to preach entitlements and redistribution of wealth, that would be against the principle of freedom. The act of charity should be an individual endeavor, not forced by the state. I can't speak for you and where you get your inspiration, but I feel that the Spirit guided me in this action and I will continue to follow this Guidance.

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  6. I too hope to have The Forgotten Man on my wall one day... until then it is my profile avatar most everywhere I go. Thank you for that Jon :)

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  7. It also graces my desktop ~smile~

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  8. You are simply said, "Amazing." No other way to say it. When I first saw your painting, I could feel the spirit in it, still do. It is still on my living room wall. When we bought it, you had it on sale, it had first come out. We called our son and daughter-in-law in Texas. Our son is a pilot in the Air Force. We sent the, by email, the picture. They called immediately and asked us to get them one. We did. Thank you for all you do. Remember Pres. Benson: "It is important to always stand up for the right, even when it is unpopular. No, I should say, especially when it is unpopular." You are popular with the ONE person who counts.

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  9. @Joseph. I believe both ideologies are worthy of inspiration and action. Brought together, the differences can lead to a greater, tertiary solution/ideology.

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  10. American flag weighs 200lbs. Finished in tile and granite. Made for the anniversary of 9/11 see it at Stars and Stripes Forever: In memory of 9/11

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  11. Dearest Jon,

    With a lot of admiration for your excellent art work. Those paintings all speak volume! It is refreshing to find such talent at this time and age.
    May God bless you!

    Mariette's Back to Basics

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