What is truly important?

My piece, called Digital Sin, is a triptych. It is three framed, stretched canvases which are hinged together. When closed, the piece has 2 wooden panels which were decorated using pyrography.

This piece was inspired by a conversation I was part of during a Bible study group quite a while ago. We were discussing what/who people idolize. I then asked a few people I know the same question. They added to the list, and it grew to be rather lengthy. I knew that I wanted to do a series based on the large list of ideas. It took a while pondering and praying about this idea for inspiration to strike. This piece was the first epiphany I had for the series.

Most people I know do not belong to a church or have a relationship with God, and if they do, they are not active in it. They think nothing of missing services and not participating in events. Christmas and Easter services are “enough,” and they have no idea what the word fellowship means. Where I live, church is not considered when scheduling sporting and town events. When you tell people you cannot attend something because you have to go to church or participate in a church function, they guffaw.

Creating this piece and starting the journey of this series took a certain amount of courage. I have never created a piece with a religious theme before. While it does not directly illustrate the theme of this competition, I had to find my own Armor of God, fight my own spiritual battle, and believe there was a reason the idea would not leave my mind.

As in the story of Adam and Eve from the book of Genesis, we can look at this piece and say that Adam and Eve are not wearing the Armor of God. They have no protection from the serpent and could not resist temptation. By giving in to the serpent, they take the fruit to gain all of the knowledge of God. They turn away from God believing they have all the knowledge they need and, in a sense, become their own idols.

The apple in the story is the same as the knowledge we gain through technology. Most people believe they have everything they need with the information on the internet. Most people NEED the newest gadget or phone. People focus on social media. They have lost the connection with other people. They are too busy taking photos or videos of things to actually see what is happening, interact, help. They are so busy watching video after video, looking at meme after meme that they are missing God’s beauty and glory in their everyday lives. They are unable to truly see God in themselves and others.

I hope that people will see my piece and contemplate what is truly important. I hope they realize they are missing so much in their lives including the love of God.

For me, creating this piece took courage. I have never created a piece with a religious theme before. While it does not directly illustrate the theme of this competition, I had to find my own Armor of God, fight my own spiritual battle, and believe there was a reason the idea would not leave my mind and have faith.

Also, as in the story of Adam and Eve from the book of Genesis, you can look at this piece and say that Adam and Eve are not wearing the Armor of God. They have no protection from the serpent and could not resist temptation. By giving in to the serpent, they take the fruit to gain all of the knowledge of God. They turn away from God believing they have all the knowledge they need and, in a sense, become their own idols.

I would like to thank Pastor Sandy Santangelo and my cousin, Heather Miller, for their help, discussions, and words of wisdom. I would also like to thank Jigger John Baylon for helping assemble everything. The extra pair of hands were most helpful!

The cost of Digital Sin is $2000. If you are interested in purchasing this piece, please contact me via email at the_artful_dodger76@yahoo.com.