I have long been interested in images of the tree of life. Not only those depicting Lehi and Nephi’s visions of it (see 1 Nephi 8, 11) but also images from the book of Revelation (see Revelation chapters 2 and 22, for example). In old cemeteries across America, tree of life imagery is sometimes carved onto people’s headstones, a fitting symbol. This is because there’s a connection between the resurrection and the tree of life. The Book of Mormon leads us to understand that Jesus is the tree of life, with the tree and its fruit a symbol of the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:22, 25). “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16, NRSV). To this point, Christian iconography sometimes depict Jesus literally as the tree of life, crucified on the tree of life, or even sitting up in the tree. His disciples are sometimes the branches, or the fruit.
 
This painting is my own version of this Christian artistic tradition of Christ as or in the tree of life, which has also been depicted in other variations by contemporary Latter-day Saint artists. In my image Christ is resurrected in glory and triumph. His arms are outstretched and legs crossed in a pose purposely reflective of the Crucifixion, as his death brought to pass his resurrection. His arms are outstretched in welcoming love, not pained death. His head wears and laurel crown in triumph rather than cruel thorns. Instead of nails in his hands he holds the fruit of the tree of life, offering it to all who will partake of his salvation. The wounds in his hands, side, and feet are still visible, inviting us all to come to him and know for ourselves that he is the God of Israel and the whole earth.
 
Painting is 24" x 16", oil on board (2025)
 
Comes in a beautiful hand created and finished gallery frame by Masterworks frames.  Michael and his team added a great detail by creating small tree of life fruits in each corner of the frame (see detail image). Framing is 5" wide  and 2" thick (34.5"x16.5" outside framed dimensions)
 
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