Moses and The Commandments

How does one use paint to artistically talk about the ten commandments? Great question. The answer is: by starting off intuitively with pure mark-making, adding mixed media and acrylic paint using a lot of light and darkness. "Moses and The Commandments" explores the relationship between God, Moses and the Israelites. The background is a mixture of red, blue, black and gold signifying the appearance of the wilderness.

Moses, painted larger than life, assumes the role of himself as the physical representation of the Israelites. Moses told his people: "The Lord gave us these commands and only these" (Deuteronomy 5:22). He embodies all that is good from God; his honor indicated in the painting by a slight tilting of his head which also corresponds to him looking over his people.

I wanted the shimmering of rays to personify God's presence speaking from the dark, fiery clouds. I created the tablets out of gold paper — translating what was spoken from God and written on the stone tablets. The Ten Commandments are the golden rules for living; by which we demonstrate our love for God and others.

My mother instilled in us love, compassion and selfless service. The biggest lesson I remember her saying was: "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself." She truly had a love for people. A woman after God's own heart. I am learning to be as gentle as her by continuing to carry Moses' torch, adhering as closely as possible to God's commandments.

These simple orders of instruction are used to maintain peace and harmony among people. The image of Moses in this painting remembers his obedience and sacrifice to be used by God. He is a constant reminder of how much sacrifice he endured for his people in the wilderness. His obedience shows through his eyes: the desire to love and be loved by God.