Artist’s Statement

This piece was adapted in March, 2007 for the Soli Deo Gloria fine art show at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, Missouri. The theme of that show was “Humility to Hallelujah.” As I thought about that theme, I was particularly stricken by the Scriptural paradigm that humility is hallelujah as much as humility (leads) to hallelujah. The difference in using the word “is” stems from the fact that the heart of humility is, itself, a glorious heart that is a fragrance of praise to God. Humility not only leads to hallelujah as a road leads to a destination, humility is an end, or destination, in and of itself. A Christian’s abiding in a state of humility is glorious in Christ’s eyes, as indicated in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit (i.e. humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The humble heart is, itself, praise worthy and beautiful to Christ.

This sculpture is meant to reflect the glory of the humble heart in its state of humility. The figure expresses absolute dependence on Christ, who is personified by the cross. The figure is naked, a prominent symbol of vulnerability, lowliness, and submission, which are all facets of true humility. He is painted black to convey spiritual poverty, confusion, darkness, or chaos. This person recognizes he has no resources besides Christ, and comes joyfully, confidently, and…humbly to Jesus for rest. This heart, this expression of total dependence called humility is, itself, an act of hallelu-jah, a word literally meaning “praise to the Lord.”

This sculpture is as much about demonstrating humility as it is about expressing hallellu-jah, or praise. Rejoice that your offerings of humility are part of your praise to God, your hallelu-jah to Him! Amen..