My submission is a coat of arms created in ink and watercolor. I have created more than a hundred coats of arms for businesses and families, and I designed this coat of arms to describe the Armor of God.

I create custom coats of arms for families and businesses. My works are modern interpretations of pieces created centuries ago.  My response to Ephesians 6:10-20 is structured as a coat of arms, like one that I might create for a client.  Coats of arms were initially used to establish identity on the battlefield. This visual identifier depicts the powerful parts of the Armor of God, using references reinforced by artists throughout history.

Paul mentions a variety of components that make up the full Armor of God. I have represented each component of the armor in this piece.

The belt of truth is the red belt that encircles the shield, inscribed with “Spiritus Gladius", which translates to “Spirit of the Sword,” A phrase that is often used in conjunction with symbols for Paul.

The breastplate of righteousness appears on the horse on the left. I associate the horses with St Paul because he is said to have fallen from his horse before conversion to Christianity. 

The gospel of peace is represented by the dove as well as the Christian flag on the shield.  The Shield of Faith is carried by horse on the right. The shield wards off the flaming arrows of the evil one. The arrows are at the base of the artwork.  

The helmet of salvation is at the top of the work and the horse in chains carries a shield as well as the sword of the spirit. 

The mantle flies behind the Roman battle helmet like flames of the spirit and the base is draped with olive branches for peace. The shield is tilted because like any human, we can be protected but can never be perfect in the word.

Like a banner one might carry going into a battle, this artwork is a reminder of the spiritual protection that a faith in God gives to a believer.

2018 Jamie Hansen Art

Type of work: a mass produced copy
Purchase price: $25