I call this a “self portrait of Jesus Christ”, because this was the very first painting I created (circa 1996) where I invited the Spirit of God to create it Himself through me.
I took time first in prayer to ask the Spirit of God to actually
create through me in order for the final result to truly
be a work inspired by God rather than one of my own
accord.
I had come to a point where two things that made me
“me” were about to intersect, my gift as a visual artist
and my faith. I wanted to submit my abilities as a visual
artist to the Spirit of God the same way a preacher subb
mits his oratory skills to the guiding power of God so
that his words became God’s words and that those
words would accomplish God’s task. Something that his
words alone could never accomplish.
I wanted my art to undergo the same transformation, an
illustration created under the guiding power of the Holy
Spirit in order for it to accomplish far more than my own
layout, composition, etc. could ever achieve under my
own limited abilities.
I had always wanted to create a portrait of Christ, but I
hesitated in doing so because I wanted it to be “just
right”. After spending time in the quiet of prayer, I began
working on this illustration and I’ve been pleased with
the outcome.
Sketch from "Gethsemane"
It’s a portrait of Christ in the garden of
Gethsemane in prayer to His Father before His arrest
and consequential crucifixion. It’s a portrait of Christ
where the length of His hair, color of His skin, etc. were
irrelevant. The focus goes beyond the physical attrii
butes and focuses on capturing the spiritual essence of
who Christ is.
Have you ever prayed before creating? Post a comment whether you have or haven’t”.
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Powerful.
Self-Portrait of Jesus Christ – I am in Him – He is in Me.
Powerfully prophetic piece.
Love it.
Yes! We want art that speaks from His heart to the people. I agree.
This is a great testimony Tony. To God be the glory for your growth and continued faithfulness. I too have asked Christ into my creativity for as long as I have been creating with a purpose. I had my first major exhibition in 1991, and that body of work was all inspired by my relationship with Christ and then current social challenges. God blessed me to sell every piece in that show (if my memory serves me correctly there were 22 pieces)and for a local newspaper to do a write up on me and the work. After that show, I “knew” that I was called to paint for God, because He blessed my hands and mind to create images that I know I could not create on my own. I was a kid on the streets, with a passion for painting and faith in Christ, that’s it. 19 years later my passion for Christ is forefront, and I am still praying to grow as a painter for His glory and the edification of His people (see IPETER 4:10)
Be blessed,
Christopher
Yes I have posted The Trinity on the Creative Edge Artist Network. The three paintings represent the Trinity. The light represents God (Love), the cross,Jesus, and the dove the Holy Spirit. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. Love, faith and hope and the greatest is Love. Under black lighting the sun,rays, the cross and the dove all light up. I’m working on The soldier for Christ and Iam the gate right now. Trying to finish more paintings and maybe someday have a web site God willing.
Deborah: That’s amazing how you “stumbled upon” your main model for Christ!
Is there anywhere online where we can see your work?
Tony-
Prayer is essential for me to be able to allow the Holy Spirit to work thru me. And amazing things have happened by doing so. He’s lead me to my main model for Christ. I was on a hunt for months for a Christ like figure for my paintings. And then it happened all at once. He had a beard, age 33 and a first born! How amazing is that. Before each stroke I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me into what He wants. Its been an exciting journey working with Him. Praise Jesus for leaving Him with us. God Bless everyone on their journey with our Lord and Saviour.