Sabbath Day

Digital print, 11×14” and 8½x11”

Open edition

*THIS ARTWORK DOES NOT COME FRAMED.

Originals are 11×14”

Walnut ink, gouache, Prismacolor pen, and Prismacolor pencils on Arches 90 lb. hot press watercolor paper

Please contact me for bulk orders of digital 8½x11″ prints with description sheets.

The text reads: “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day . . . that thy joy may be full.” Doctrine and Covenants 59:9, 13. “The Sabbath Day is given throughout the generations of man for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between the Lord and his children forever. It is a day in which to worship and to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Lord. It is a day on which to surrender every worldly interest and to praise the Lord humbly. It is a day not for affliction and burden but for rest and righteous enjoyment.” Spencer W. Kimball

Each print comes with an explanation of all the symbols used in the piece, the text of which is:

“The Sabbath Day” was designed with the hope that viewers would continually find new meanings in it, and be able to evaluate their Sabbath day observance as they interact with the art.  To this end, several symbols were included which have been used throughout the ages.  Symbols can be interpreted on many levels, but the following is a guide since some are obscure.  Certain symbols have both positive and negative meanings; these can be seen as inspirations as well as warnings.  Most of the symbols are from Medieval or Renaissance artwork, while some are Victorian flower meanings and some are personal musings. Wheat:  Christ is the bread of life (John 6:35); parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13); Christ’s body (the sacrament); prosperity, riches, thanksgiving. Corn:  Pharisees upset about Christ’s disciples plucking corn on the Sabbath (Mark 2:23, Matthew 12:1); like wheat and grapes, a Eucharistic (sacramental) element; abundance, riches. Fruit:  Fruits of obedience and fruits of the Spirit, in addition to sweetness and abundance. Grapes:  Christ as the true vine (John 15:1); blood of Christ (atonement); abundance. Apple:  Traditionally, the fruit of the tree of knowledge; also temptation. Orange:  Similar to apple (tree of knowledge) but also means generosity. Cherry:  Called the “fruit of paradise” symbolizing heaven and a reward for virtue. Pomegranate:  Resurrection, immortality; also foolishness. Peach with one leaf:  Truth — the unity of heart (the peach) and tongue (the leaf). Pear:  Affection. Trumpet flower:  Trumpets announce the last judgment and the coming of Christ. Angelica (light green flower):  Inspiration. Crane with one leg raised and a stone in its claw:  Vigilance.  According to a legend mentioned by Aristotle, when the bird fell asleep it dropped the stone and immediately re-awakened, so that it was ever watchful.  Birds in general are associated with the soul, and can remind us of freedom to fly if we are obedient. Food:  Reminds us to hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and to prepare our food with singleness of heart on the Sabbath (Doctrine and Covenants 59:13). Right Angles:  The lattice design behind the initial “S” is at right angles, which can remind us to keep our covenants with exactness, and to be square with the Lord and with our fellowmen.