Passage by Faith. Exploring the Inspirational Art of James Christensen

Combining keen observation with an endless supply of imagination has become the hallmark of James C. Christensen, one of the world's most beloved artists. The artist thinks art should invite us, attract us, and draw us in writes Christensen of his titular painting Passage by Faith. The author says I'd love for the viewer to participate a bit in this painting and imagine himself in that boat, making a passage by faith. Such personal thoughts and feelings are at the heart of this beautiful and timeless book of art, inspiration, and spiritual emotion. For more than thirty years, Christensen has been translating the world around him into masterful and inventive art. This collection the first ever for a Latter-day Saint audience explores the spiritual elements of his work and unveils the visual metaphors, symbols, and meaning behind the meanings of some of his most popular fantasy pieces, such as Hold to the Rod and The Responsible Woman. Also included are pieces with deeply personal meaning, such as Twilight and The Nest, and scriptural images such as Gethsemane, The Rich Young Ruler, and The Annunciation, as well as a few gems that have never been printed before. Beautifully designed with more than sixty images and comments from the artist, this is a book that art-lovers of all ages will treasure. Inspired by the world s myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful if sometimes curious looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In short: all things are possible when you share Christensen s philosophy that Believing is Seeing.