Artist’s Statement

When I was approached by Covenant Theological Seminary staff with the idea of doing a piece for their new library, I began thinking about what I would want students to learn and feel by looking at my possible commission. It did not take long to figure out that a deep respect and affinity for the written Word of God should be a prominent theme. With the preeminence of the Word, I wanted to be sure to communicate warmth; warmth of the relationship of the redeemed to the Word, and of the redeemed of the Word to each other. Finally, I desired to communicate how the Word is primary in informing loving relationships. All of these important elements led me to the Word-centered relationship of the Apostle Paul and his young apprentice, Timothy.

“Paul and Timothy" is a sculpture about relationships - the relationship of an older mentor and a young apprentice, of the redeemed and the Word of God, and of the modern Church and her continuing honor of Scripture. The aged Paul (seated) is intent on examining one of his beloved scrolls while eager Timothy gazes with equal passion over his mentor's shoulder. The two men have a singular focus on the Word of God. Their heads and bodies are cocked toward the scroll with eager excitement. Their postures relative to the Word/scroll communicates its preeminence in their lives and their strong affinity for it. As a person views the piece and sees the figures' Word-directed posture, I intended them to perhaps say in their hearts, "look at how intent they are on the Scripture...look at how they desire it!"

The proximity of Paul and Timothy to each other was intended to convey personal warmth and intimacy between these two men. Timothy's right hand rests gently on Paul's back. Paul is leaning slightly toward Timothy, and vice-versa. The two men are close together. Timothy selflessly holds a lantern so they both can look at the Word "together". This is no mere sterile working relationship. It is a snapshot of two men who love each other deeply from the heart.

The focus of the Word, and the love for one another combine as artistic elements to form the main overall theme of this sculpture which is so appropriate for a theological library: the preeminence of the Word in the context of genuine, loving relationships. At times, even Bible study or the study of theology can become sterile and impersonal. How absurd to segregate the Word from the warmth of relationship! It is in the context of loving, godly intimacy that the brilliance of the Word and all theology shines brightest. In this piece, I wanted to convey as much in and through the relationship of Paul and Timothy to each other and to the Word of God.

The materials used in this piece contribute to its theme. Bronze would have been too "cold," clear acrylic too bland, and ceramic or plaster too "hard." Hand-made paper was the perfect medium. The papers used with their natural and earthy textures and colors contribute to the warm feel of the piece and to its message. The textured finish on the base contributes to the warmth, too.

There is also a play on themes in the fact this piece's outer skin is made of paper, while a library is an esteemed "warehouse for paper." It is the common heritage of paper that makes this piece truly "fit" in a library! It is a paper sculpture amidst volumes and volumes of important papers and books.

The figures in "Paul and Timothy" are, anatomically speaking, loosely representational. That is, they are generally anatomically accurate, but lack precision and detail. For example, the heads are generally properly shaped, but lack the details of eyes, nose, and mouth. This style was intentional. I did not want such details to distract the viewer and detract from the overall message of the piece. I did not want a viewer to say, "wow, look at how accurate Paul's kneecaps are." Rather, I want the viewer to say, "wow, look at how those two guys love each other and the Word."