Mormon Life - Artists tag

Just Asking: Interview with Artist Liz Lemon Swindle

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:03:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Liz Lemon Swindle has become famous for her paintings of religious subjects – particularly those of Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith. LDS Living recently caught up with her for the inside scoop on an artistic life.

What was it like trying to raise a family while creating your art at the same time?

It was difficult. Every day was a juggling act to balance two things I loved dearly. In the end I couldn’t give up either one so I gave up sleep instead.

How does your husband fit into the popularity and fame your art has garnered?

He is the quintessential Hyrum Smith. He is an amazing man and accomplished in his own right, but he is comfortable being my support with no thought for himself. He isn’t threatened by any of it and that makes it wonderful to be together and experience this life as friends.

In 2007, you were able to work with Mothers Without Borders to create paintings of Christ. What was your most memorable experience?

My most memorable experience came from a little boy named Kennedy who, at 3 years old, had lost both of his parents to AIDS. Mothers Without Borders found him living alone with his 6-year-old brother and 10-year-old sister. When I thought of those three children struggling to survive and the millions of others across Africa in similar circumstances, I felt an overwhelming hopelessness and said to myself, “No amount of money can fix this.”

Later that day while we were filming, Kennedy climbed into the arms of the man portraying the Savior. As I stood watching them, Kennedy turned toward me and our eyes met. At that moment, I knew it wasn’t hopeless. I realized that the Savior could fix not only the problems of Africa but of the whole world . . . and we can be His hands to do it.

What was the hardest part of learning how to paint Christ?

Accepting that not everyone likes what I paint. In the beginning, I thought that because I felt moved while creating the images that everyone would receive it with that spirit. I now see that is why there are so many artists in the Lord’s work—so there is something for everyone.

How does the fact that you’re a Mormon affect the public’s perception of your art?

It is no different for me than for anyone else who’s Mormon. There will always be people whose prejudice convinces them that Mormons are not Christians, but I think more and more people are seeing that idea for what it is: nonsense.

Where and how do you get inspiration for your art?

I draw tremendous inspiration from reading the scriptures and finding stories that touch me. Looking at other artists’ works is another source of inspiration, and hearing from others who like the work gives me a “shot in the arm.” I get calls or emails where someone says something like, “I just read this and I had to share it with you.”

From conception of an idea to the last brush stroke on canvas, about how long does it typically take you to finish a painting?

I suppose that depends on the size of the painting and where I am in my personal life. Some paintings come together in matter of weeks while others have taken me years. The one I am working on now of the Woman at the Well will be three months from start to finish.

Some of your latest artwork modernizes parables from the New Testament. What is the message you most want your viewers to get from these paintings?

I realized a couple years ago that after the Savior’s atonement, the most important gift He gave us was His teachings. By showing each parable in a modern setting, I am reminding myself that His teachings are not ancient stories for another time but rather a roadmap to happiness for me today.

What other hobbies do you enjoy outside of your art?

As I get older I find that being with my family and especially my grandchildren is my favorite thing to do. I also like to garden. (That makes me sound like an old woman, doesn’t it?)

What’s something few people know about you?

I have a weakness for Hostess Snowballs.

If you could meet any artist who has ever lived, who would it be and why?

Eugene Bernand. His art speaks to me. Can I choose a second? Norman Rockwell because he painted life in a way that still inspires me to enjoy every moment.

To see what Liz is working on right now or view any of her images, go to lizlemonswindle.com or like her on Facebook.

SPONSORED: Choosing the Right - James Christensen’s 'Hold to the Rod'

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:50:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: James Christensen's painting "Hold to the Rod" has been a popular piece - with an even more important lesson. Offered again for a limited time only.

In 2007, renowned LDS artist James Christensen created a painting titled Hold to the Rod, the Iron Rod. The painting features one of Christensen’s unique characters, in a predicament. The man has become so burdened with the belongings and items he has amassed that, while he longingly eyes the Iron Rod, he cannot reach up to hold it for fear of losing some of his possessions. Only 550 prints were originally created and sold out at the publisher for $295. Soon, however, the prints were being sold on the secondary market for as high as $4,000.

“Believe me, I am as surprised as anyone by its popularity,” says Christensen. “The question the painting asks is simple: How prepared are you to let go of those things you think you need to keep yourself safe and secure in order to follow your beliefs? Success has many forms and faith is its own reward. At times we have to choose between the two, and it doesn’t always feel like an easy decision. Hold to the Rod illustrates that dilemma.”

“I have been asked time and time again, ‘How does it turn out? What does he do?” recounts the artist.

That question has been answered as part of a limited-time offer, called a personal commission, of a paper edition of Hold to the Rod, the Iron Rod (click here to see). “I’m glad to know that people who didn’t have the chance to get the canvas print now will have the chance to own the image on paper. And, I created the hand-painted remarque Choosing the Right to complete the story,” Christensen continues. “This time, on the ground around our man lay much of his discarded baggage. He has made the commitment to reach out and grab hold of what is actually important: keeping sight of his true belief and faith, knowing that these alone can and will guide him through.”

Hold to the Rod can only be ordered until January 31, 2012 from www.greenwichworkshopgallery.com. Collectors are able to order just the Fine Art Paper Edition for $175 or the Special Remarque Edition featuring Choosing the Right for $375. The Remarque Edition is limited to just 350 pieces. This edition is comprised of the Fine Art Print signed by the artist and numbered, plus the matching numbered and signed Choosing the Right hand colored remarque, which is 6 1/2" x 7 1/2" on Strathmore Fine Art paper with an image area of 4" x 5 5/8". It can be framed with your Hold to the Rod print or framed separately. This James C. Christensen Fine Art print will illustrate a timeless lesson to everyone in your family and to generations still to come.

Visit greenwichworkshopgallergy.com.

Immigration officials to deport Utah family who fled anti-Mormon threats

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:42:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: This family fled Argentina after being threatened for being LDS. In the U.S., they work as artists, creating glass windows for LDS temples. After 10 years of living here, they're being deported. Artistic glass adorning LDS Church temples and other buildings around the world bears the creative handiwork of Debora Zalazar and her husband, Claudio Correa.

The Argentine couple moved to Utah to work on projects that reflect their deeply held religious beliefs. Zalazar is meticulous about creating scriptural scenes on stained glass. Correa painstakingly etches each flower and scroll to the last detail, including all the glass in the Draper Temple.

"Everything they do is filled with real spiritual energy," said Cathy Torlina, director of Holdman Studios in Lehi where Zalazar and Correa are contract workers. "They bring their faith to their work, be it secular or religious."

But since a knock at their door about 6 a.m. last Friday, they've had to steer that faith in a different direction.