This piece is a commission I created for a beautiful couple in Utah. It was a bit of a struggle because I felt like I had already created my version of the Savior. But then we came up with another side of Him to portray. Our kind, wise, heavenly Friend. The approachable Christ.

When I was 17, I was chosen as a Sister City Ambassador to Himeji, Japan. It was so exciting. I had never been anywhere beyond the states that touched my own. I didn't know any Japanese. My host family didn't know any English. (My host brother actually did speak a little English - he told me they joined the program so he "can have American Girlfriend.") I found a way I could get away from him was to say I had to "study".

The only books I brought with me were my scriptures. So I studied a lot. Also, the only time I could speak English was when I was praying. So I prayed a lot. I had spent my life using prayers as a way to give God a list of all the things I needed. Maybe a few "thank yous" but mostly "please bless". In Japan, I told Him everything I was feeling. I told Him about the cool things I saw or learned. I had nothing but time dedicated to study and prayer. It was there that Jesus Christ became my friend. It was the closest I had ever felt to Him and I knew I would never be alone in my whole life if I could just remember to go to Him.

It's so amazing that the creator of everything and everyone wants to hear my soul's complaint. And my soul's joys! I have the attentive ear of the Supreme Being and once again I'm telling Him only my list of needs? And then not going to the scriptures to hear Him speak back to me? I can do better to rebuild that undeserved and unimaginable friendship.

Reproduced from the artist's original artwork of rocks, shells, wood, and other found items on board 44.5 x 44.5. Created 2024.