"Jesus Weeping at Lazarus's Tomb"
This painting was a series of ideas that came together in one image for me.
Firstly, the strong help I felt when I was very sad, understanding that I have a high priest who CAN and DOES sympathize with our trials. Through Him I am grounded and able to stand firm.
Secondly, as death - and the sorrow of grieving loved ones left behind - is a universal experience, it meant so much to me that Jesus had left his mark on both a funeral and a wedding. He changes the way we look at everything. "I am" is not the God of the dead, but of the living. He is over all.
Thirdly, artistically, I was intrigued to merge art influences over 300 years apart: Caravaggio and Beckmann. They both use space - Beckmann especially in his Triptychs - in very daring & foreshortening ways. The drama of the stage-like lighting was of course part of the Caravaggio influence.
Fourthly, I paint my narrative Biblical scenes as if they are happening in contemporary Israel, to further draw the viewer into the scene.
Lastly, as regards the theme presented, Jesus demonstrated His power over death, unclean spirits & illnesses, by calling forth his friend from the grave. We may yet, like Martha, object with a "but, Lord...", nevertheless, Jesus will not be deterred, and He continues to empower His followers today as well. While my atheist friends are convinced that there is nothing after death, their minds sadly darkened by the rulers of the darkness of this world, I point to this painting & story behind it to engage them about how Jesus has broken the power of death.
We have a high priest who CAN and DOES sympathize with our trials. Through Him I am grounded and able to stand firm.
Jesus left his mark on both a funeral and a wedding. He changes the way we look at everything. "I am" is not the God of the dead, but of the living. He is over all, and able to make me stand in when the 'day of evil comes'.
Lastly, as regards the theme presented, Jesus demonstrated His power over death, unclean spirits & illnesses, by calling forth his friend from the grave. We may yet, like Martha, object with a "but, Lord...", nevertheless, Jesus will not be deterred, and He continues to empower His followers today as well. While my atheist friends are convinced that there is nothing after death, their minds sadly darkened by the rulers of the darkness of this world, I point to this painting & story behind it to engage them about how Jesus has broken the power of death.
See Third point in my Statement.
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