Artist bio

I am a self-taught artist from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. My journey in the arts began as a child through drawing and building scale model baseball stadiums. I began painting after graduating from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I painted my first portrait in 2016. I moved to Atlanta in 2017 to pursue the arts, and I also work as a Quality Engineer in the automotive industry. I use a wide variety of mediums and surfaces. My work can be seen in the permanent collection at the Mosaic Templars Center in Little Rock, AR. I completed 2 public murals at the newly constructed Veteran's Building in Pine Bluff, AR.

Title

Eternal Victory

Medium/Genre

Painting

Artist Statement

My artwork is a figurative expression created in oil paint. The meaning is centered around how vital our spiritual and physical preparation is in anticipation of battle. Everyone "wrestles" with many different forms of warfare in this system. Sometimes we are victorious, sometimes we are defeated. Longevity is key. We hone this by continuously sharpening our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical components. The ultimate victory transcends this realm, and our promise is everlasting life.

How it fits into contest

Sports are one of a few entities that unite people of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. For this reason, I selected an athletic theme that remains true to my background, as a former collegiate athlete. I see an abundance of parallels that relate to our Christian walk. Specifically, I believe the sport of organized wrestling demonstrates the intangibles to convey my perspective of Ephesians 6:10-20.

Four key components for the longevity and overall success of an athlete are dedication, perseverance, discipline, and self-determination. Fortunately, for those of us walking in the truth, we know we have the promises of divine intervention where we fall short. (2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me: "My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you, for my power is being made perfect in weakness.")

The young wrestler in the painting is physically fit, which is representative of the work we must do in preparation for any battles we will face, but physical ability is only half of the battle (Ephesians 10:12). Just as he has exercised his physical muscle, we must exercise our spiritual muscles by being in constant prayer with our Heavenly Father Jehovah, as well as studying and meditating His Word for clear guidance in times of trials and opposition.

The Apostle Paul's reference "full armor" was relative to the times when it was written. The armor for the young wrestler is realized through his uniform and protective headgear. The uniform displays a capital "E" which represents Ephesians, and his posture clearly displays who and what he is representing. His headgear protects him from anything attacking his mental and emotional stability / capability. He is surrounded by a red background that represents the blood of Christ Jesus that covers him. Also, the "truth" he is walking in is indicated by the cascading shadows from the light. (1 John 1:7, "However, if we are walking in the light, we do have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Notice his demeanor. An onlooker can not tell if this image is pre-match or post-match. If he has won or lost. Regardless of the outcome he has not wavered, and he is clearly "standing firm".

Unfortunately, we will not win every battle we face in this system. (Ecclesiastes 9:11, "I have seen something further under the sun, that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all."). Win or lose, just like the young wrestler, we must continue to prepare for our next battle. (Mathew 24:13, "But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.") We know we will claim the ultimate victory of everlasting life if we do not give up. (Galations 6:9, "So let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due time we will reap if we do not tire out.")

Credits

N/A

How to Purchase this Artwork

"Eternal Victory" is 30x40" and the price is $2,400. If anyone is interested, feel free to contact me via email: thebmaddoxstudios@gmail.com or direct message me on Instagram: @_bmaddoxart.

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

There are multiple creative goods/ services that I offer. Any inquiries can be submitted to my email or Instagram.

Submit Your Artwork Today!

Curious? Interested in submitting artwork to our contest? Know someone who might be? Through April 14th, 2022, the Engage Art Contest is open to the whole world! Get your foot in the door by claiming your Artist Page now!