Thank you to all who participated in the second year of the Book of Mormon Art Contest! The Book of Mormon Art Contest was created to inspire students and strengthen their testimonies in the Book of Mormon, and to represent more people and stories from the ancient text in the Book of Mormon Art Catalog.
Beginning in February of this year, the Book of Mormon Art Catalog and Maxwell Institute encouraged students to visualize the Book of Mormon in creative, visual ways. The call for submissions encouraged art that 1) showcases underrepresented figures or scenes from the text, 2) demonstrates unique stylistic and technical approaches, and 3) highlights an unexpected hero in the Book of Mormon.
A judging committee of BYU faculty from the Maxwell Institute, Religious Education, Humanities, History, and the Museum of Art carefully considered each submission, and we are excited to announce this year's winners.
First place is awarded to Jane Wilson for All Things Denote There Is A God. Wilson is a Graphic Design major at BYU. She said "I created this coat to better understand our loving Supreme Creator. Each piece of the coat represents a different creation period, with a large circle sewn onto each to represent God's hand in it all." All Things Denote There Is A God was submitted into the unique stylistic/technical approaches category.
Second place is awarded to Carly Smith for Women Leading Us To Christ. Smith studies Interdisciplinary Humanities, and wanted to inspire her daughter to look up to women in the Book of Mormon. "As I was preparing to have my own daughter, I wanted artwork in her room that represented some of the faithful woman of the Book of Mormon, many of whom are unnamed." Women Leading Us To Christ was submitted into the unique stylistic/technical approaches category.
Third place is awarded to Alondra Paredes for Leaving Bountiful.
Paredes is an Illustration major, who wanted to represent more BIPOC women in the Book of Mormon. "This painting is my love letter to the faithful women in the Book of Mormon whose stories are not told, but whose fruits are known in the rearing of faithful prophets, stripling warriors, and brave missionaries." Leaving Bountiful was submitted into the underrepresented figures category.
Honorable mentions for Book of Mormon Art demonstrating unique stylistic/technical approaches go to Anna Adams for Reconciliation Through God, Joseph Namingha for Shoes: A Record of My People, and Stephen Amos for The God of Nature Suffers.
Honorable mentions for Book of Mormon Art showcasing underrepresented figures/scenes go to Meranda Brodowski for The Fruits of Our Labors, and Anna-Beth Bleazard for Three of God's Messengers.
Honorable mentions for Book of Mormon Art highlighting unexpected heroes go to Madison Jensen for Maidservant of Morianton, and Josephine Bateman for Save Only One.
All Things Denote There Is A God
First Place: All Things Denote There Is A God "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44) I created this coat to better understand our loving Supreme Creator. Each piece of the coat represents a different creation period, with a large circle sewn onto each to represent God's hand in it all. The white circle on the back symbolizes the seventh day of rest, showing that even God takes time to reflect and rejuvenate. I have always been inspired by nature, and being surrounded by it makes me feel closer to heaven than almost anything else. All things in nature are in perfect harmony with God's will, and are fulfilling the measure of their creation. Studying and appreciating God's creations helps me know how to become more like Him, and shows me that He exists. Witnessing the masterful patterns of nature and the perfect harmony that exists within it makes the existence of a Supreme Creator obvious to me. This could not all be here by chance. Process Used: I painted each piece of fabric to represent a different day of the earth’s creation, and studied nature before quilting designs onto the fabric. I then created a custom pattern for the coat, and sewed it together. Inspired by Alma 30:44.
Jane Wilson, Graphic Design major
All Things Denote There Is A God
First Place: All Things Denote There Is A God "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44) I created this coat to better understand our loving Supreme Creator. Each piece of the coat represents a different creation period, with a large circle sewn onto each to represent God's hand in it all. The white circle on the back symbolizes the seventh day of rest, showing that even God takes time to reflect and rejuvenate. I have always been inspired by nature, and being surrounded by it makes me feel closer to heaven than almost anything else. All things in nature are in perfect harmony with God's will, and are fulfilling the measure of their creation. Studying and appreciating God's creations helps me know how to become more like Him, and shows me that He exists. Witnessing the masterful patterns of nature and the perfect harmony that exists within it makes the existence of a Supreme Creator obvious to me. This could not all be here by chance. Process Used: I painted each piece of fabric to represent a different day of the earth’s creation, and studied nature before quilting designs onto the fabric. I then created a custom pattern for the coat, and sewed it together. Inspired by Alma 30:44.
Jane Wilson, Graphic Design major
Women Leading Us To Christ
Second Place: Women Leading Us To Christ As I was preparing to have my own daughter, I wanted artwork in her room that represented some of the faithful woman of the Book of Mormon, many of whom are unnamed. I was inspired by Byzantine art and early Christian art and wanted to dipict these woman in that artistic tradition. I used traditional leather carving tequniqies and vegetable tanned leather. I wanted a piece that could be touched and felt as I teach my daughter about faithful woman. Each woman has symbols that represent her story and each woman looks to the women who came before her as we look to them as we all follow Christ. From right to left, Eve- mother of mankind, Mary - mother of our Saviour, Sariah - mother of the Nephites and Lamanites, Abish - A faithful servant, The Queen over the land of Ishmael who believed, and a mother of a stripling warrior who did not doubt. Inspired by 1 Nephi 5, 1 Nephi 11, Alma 19, Alma 56.
Carly Smith, Interdisciplinary Humanities major
Leaving Bountiful
Third Place: Leaving Bountiful This painting is a part of a series of works that are central to my desire to give a voice to the women in the Book of Mormon, whose stories go largely forgotten and untold. The image represents the wife of Nephi, who, having finally found an oasis of milk and honey after years in the wilderness, learns that she must again move her young family and leave the comforts of Bountiful to enter the treacherous ocean, the great unknown. Though not much is known about her, she was likely a faithful woman who supported her husband as he fulfilled his prophetic calling and had deep faith in God. The painting depicts her praying to the Lord to receive her own witness of the veracity of Nephi’s claim that their family must “cross the large waters into the promised land”. As she looks to the heavens, light trickles through the branches and onto her face. The shadows are now behind her as she faces the sun. The light is symbolic of God’s presence. As she turns to the light, she turns to God. As she turns to God, her fears are replaced with faith. There comes a time in all of our lives when the Lord may ask us to leave our own “Bountiful” or places of familiarity, safety, and comfort, whether those places be temporal or spiritual. When we are asked to step into the unknown, we might be filled with fear or doubt. In those times, we can look to the Lord for strength. I know there have been many times in my life where I have pleaded for God’s perfect love to banish my own doubts and fears. I like to think that I am one of many women around the world and throughout time who have sought God and found the courage to continue forward. Process Used: This is oil paint on cotton canvas. I painted this “alla prima” using a reference image of a friend of mine who I asked to model for me. As a latina woman myself, I wanted to paint more BIPOC representations of people in the Book of Mormon. Inspired by 1 Nephi 18.
Alondra Paredes, Illustration major
Reconciled Through God
Honorable Mention: Reconciled Through God This piece, inspired by 2 Nephi 10:24, is a direct testimony of my journey coming back to God after seven years of inactivity. It represents my struggles in finding the ways that God can help and connect to me. To fill the gap I felt internally I used “the will of the devil and the flesh” to try to reconcile myself and felt anger, hurt, and sadness with no relief, represented by the frayed, red string. However, in rekindling my relationship with God, I was reconciled through him. I was able to rely on him in times of struggle. I found how he talks to me, and I see his hand in my life each day. Now I reach for scriptures and prayer to connect the gaps I feel. The white string is strong, sturdy, and intertwined to bring the vase together, analogous to my life now as I follow Christ. Every single day I see the difference between living my way and living Christ’s way. I choose Christ’s every time because through him I am saved. I chose the medium of clay because of its enduring nature and ability to be molded and shaped, which serves as a metaphor for my own spiritual journey of transformation and renewal. Just as clay is formed and fired to create something beautiful and lasting, my life has been shaped and refined through my experiences helping to find my wholeness in Christ. Additionally, the combination of ceramics and embroidery captures the multifaceted nature of my spiritual journey, illustrating the multimodal and transformative power of God's love that weaves together redemption and grace.
Anna Adams, Psychology major
Shoes: A Record of My People
Honorable Mention: Tennis Shoes: A Record of My People Since the beginning, God's children have recorded their interactions with the Great Creator on papyrus, gold plates, and through art. This abstract acrylic-on-canvas piece continues this tradition and illustrates many of the "plain and precious truths" found in the Book of Mormon. My first interactions with the Book of Mormon came from illustrated stories featuring such figures as Nephi, the Stripling Warriors, and Moroni. These artistic renditions vividly appear in my mind to this day and are forever tied to basic gospel principles. As a result, I desired to create an art piece that evoked a deeper connection to the Spirit and continued remembrance of core doctrine. Based on 2 Nephi 3:12, this piece visually represents the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph by including their Hebrew spellings on the spines of each shoe. Each panel, starting from the outside of the left foot and continuing to the right, depicts stories from the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. The left foot shoe (stick of Judah) carries the inscription of θεός, which translates to "God." The right foot shoe (stick of Joseph) utilizes the Cree word for "Creator." The placement of these names shows that God is directing the wearer's path and attached directly to the sole. The four lines of the outside left panel detail the creation story, progressing from darkness to light. The inside left panel features the Star of David, signifying the birth of Christ. The inside right panel features a Zuni Sunface representing the resurrection of Christ and his visit to the people in America. The outside right panel depicts the first vision. In addition, it symbolizes baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, making covenants in the temple, and utilizing the Book of Mormon as a guide towards eternal life. Process Used: I used a white high-top Converse shoe as my canvas. I prepared the shoes by removing any logos with acetone. I then applied the acrylic paint with brushes. Finally, I created abstract designs inspired by my Native American tribe (Zuni) and utilized popular colors from the 1960s. Inspired by 2 Nephi 3.
Joseph Namingha, History major
The God of Nature Suffers
Honorable Mention: The God of Nature Suffers “The kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the Spirit of God, to exclaim: The God of nature suffers.” (1 Nephi 19:12) Imitating the style of carvings from the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, this block print uses several Maori designs to represent some of what our Saviour suffered for us, and why he did so. The left panel contains “Pakati (incise) Haehae (lacerate)”, symbolising the wounds Jesus received from scourge, nails and spear. The right panel contains the “Takarangi”, which translates to “revolving heavens” and symbolises man’s celestial origin. These themes of mortal suffering and divine identity are connected by the middle panel, spanned by the arms of Christ as he hangs in agony on a cross. Knowing that the possibility of us reaching our heavenly potential required the sacrifice of His mortal flesh and blood, God Himself willingly suffered pain so great that the earth itself was disturbed. The waves and storm-struck islands across the top portray the upheaval experienced by the earth during the immense anguish of its Creator. The heartbreaking price of salvation was written in lightning and shouted by thunder: “The God of nature suffers.” Inspired by 1 Nephi 19.
Stephen Amos, Computer Science major
The Fruits of Our Labor
Honorable Mention: The Fruits of Our Labor Titled: The Fruits of Our Labor by Meranda Brodowski, a Fine Arts major. Artwork Caption: This artwork is inspired by the parable of the olive tree vineyard as told by Jacob in the Book of Mormon. The two children featured are representative of Nephite servants in the story harvesting the fruit that has been produced after their labors with the Lord. The scripture surrounding the image highlights the blessings mentioned in the parable and all that was done to receive those blessings. I hope that the words unite with the image to show that if we follow the example of the servants, we will be able to harvest blessings in our own lives. Process Used: Digital Painting. Inspired by Jacob 5:75.
Meranda Brodowski, Fine Arts major
Three of God's Messengers
Honorable Mention: Three of God's Messengers When we struggle alone, God sends angels—both literal and figurative—into our lives. God sent an angel to Alma the Younger to call him to repentance as a young man. Then, as a prophet, that same angel appeared when he was discouraged and rejected from Ammoniah. This angel guided him to a second supporting angel—a mortal one—to be his companion; Amulek. This depiction, done in colored pencil, shows Alma and Amulek as they set out on their mission together, supported by the angel of God behind them. I chose to depict the angel as a Hebraic seraph with three sets of wings to symbolize their authority bestowed by heaven and the genealogical connection to the covenant people of the Jews which the people of the Book of Mormon had. The embroidery on the angel’s robes is “angel (also translated as messenger) of God” in Hebrew. Just as the angel is a messenger of God, so are Alma and Amulek and all others called and sent out by God to minister to His people. Inspired by Alma 8.
Anna-Beth Bleazard, Ancient Near Eastern Studies major
Maidservant of Morianton
Honorable Mention: Maidservant of Morianton The perspective of women in the Book of Mormon is seldom seen, but I imagine that if this nameless maidservant wrote down her story, we would be awestruck by her courage. I spent a lot of time researching what the maidservant might have worn, and though the clothing I have given her may be more grand than a servant would have worn, I feel it reflects my admiration for her. The Art Nouveau style inspired me to create a slightly abstract look at what this experience may have been like. This is not an explicitly abstract piece, but the various details spread throughout the work are intended to put the maidservant's choices into perspective. She faced the threat of death or further harm to aid the opposition. The Latin inscription I chose to write means "She is tossed by the sea, but does not sink." I felt this captured the maidservant's journey of betraying her master who beat her to save the Nephite people. Process Used: Digital work made with Procreate on iPad. Inspired by Alma 50.
Madison Jensen, Animation major
Save Only One
Honorable Mention: Save Only One Alma 23 tells of Aaron and his brethren’s heroic missionary efforts to bring truth to a lost people. While it lists many cities of success, it states that when it came to the Amalekites they were not converted, “save only one.” Who was the one brave enough to stand alone? Wading through darkness and confusion, who fought to accept the light? To embody the “one” I chose a woman. I think of the woman at the well, the woman with the issue of blood, the woman at the entrance of the Savior’s empty tomb, all women who shouldered great faith. It felt inspired that the “one” should be a woman. She’s seen wading through a hazy darkness of lines and obstacles, but with a closer look these objects morph into a bustling crowd expressed with distaste and remorse, the ones who walked away. The woman, determined, pushes through the crowd, fighting to touch the light. She feels the warmth, it feels like home, and in that moment, she whispers, “I believe.” I think of how lonely it would be to be her. Would she become a social outcast, the town spinster? Would she lose her place, her inheritance, her social status? After this moment her world must have completely changed, but it didn’t matter, because she had changed. As Elder Holland reminds us, “after an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before.” Staring at her I now ask myself; would I have the courage to be the “one?” What would I risk to touch the light? What would you risk? In a world full of chaos and confusion will we be brave enough to fight the crowd and cry out, “I believe?” Process Used: Digital Art using Procreate, all hand drawn/written. Inspired by Alma 23.
Josephine Bateman, Neuroscience major
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