Easter Season

As I study the scriptures, I am often prompted to ask this question "What is this story teaching me about my RELATIONSHIP with the Lord." It is one thing to have faith in Jesus Christ, it is another to develop a relationship with Him. It is one thing to identify Christ-like qualities, it is another to walk with, abide in, and follow Jesus Christ. 

These questions around relationship prompted a series of paintings where I contrast two elements - an expressive oil painted flower (the individual) and a patterned block print background (Christ's invitations). The symbol of the block is simple and repeated over and over to create context for the flower. 

The single flower represents the individual and acts as a form of portraiture. As the subject of the painting it grabs focus with its unique qualities, colors, and textures. The background pattern is made from oil paint and block printing. This acts as context for the subject. Sometimes it compliments, sometimes it contrasts. Either way, it interacts with the subject and tells a unique story about the relationship between the two. 

This mini-series for Easter tells about my experience developing a relationship with the Savior. When I picture myself as the flower I realize that sometimes I'm wild like the bergamot, sometimes I'm prickly like the thistle, sometimes my head hangs down like the lily.

The symbols repeated in the background represent Christ and His relation to us, sometimes he is the tandem bicycle comforting and friendly, sometimes he is the door opening to light, sometimes he is a star - offering a small but powerful light for us to seek out in dark times. 

No matter my state, I can draw closer to the Savior. As Dallin H. Oaks said in his February 2026 address to BYU students, "God is relentless in His loving pursuit of each of you."