During last month's BYU Education Week, I unveiled a brand new piece titled "To Guide Us in these Latter Days", depicting a youthful Joseph Smith in the act of prayer. In his uplifted hand are two rings, symbolizing the eternal possibility of marriage and families. On his lap is an open book, where on one side a hole represents the incomplete teachings he saw in his day. The opposite side of the book contrasts this by showing a page being sewn back together to solidify the doctrine. To his left are two keys, representing the "keys of the priesthood", central to the restoration of the gospel. Finally, his clothing is full of feathers. These serve two meanings: First, they are a foreshadowing of the persecution he would receive in the form of tar and feathers, from those who opposed his role as a prophet. Second, the usage of feathers and birds is common in early civilizations to demonstrate prayer or a connection to divinity.
This work was created in the same way at the pieces for my show at the Kayo Gallery. Drawn entirely in Photoshop, from sketch to finish, and then cut and modified for the final display.
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