Order includes:

• high-res image file formatted for print

• high-res image file formatted for web/projection

• A PDF of the artist's statement & scripture reference for the visual

• A visio divina Bible Study Guide for you to use this image in a group study session that incorporates the ancient Benedictine spiritual practice of "divine seeing."

Credit info:

When printing and sharing online, please always include the following credits:
Artist's name | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org

From the artist:

I began this image contemplating Jesus’ posture on the cross. The crucifix inherently spreads its victims’ arms out wide, willing the body into the shape of surrender. There is no fighting back. It forces one to face death with open arms.

As I contemplated this, the iconic image of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (designed by sculptor Paul Landowski and built by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa in 1922-1931), entered my imagination and my sketchpad. While the sculpture was commissioned and created for several different reasons, I find it striking that the final design evolved into Christ with open arms and hands, intended to be a symbol of peace.

In this image, I referenced the Christ the Redeemer statue, drawing Jesus’ dying position into a posture of warm embrace. I omitted his face in order to focus merely on his arms stretched wide. I repeated this pattern four times, which formed the shape of an open cross. As I worked, I realized the image resembles a cross crosslet, which carries as many varied meanings as the crucifix itself.* In this image, my intention is to thwart the brutality and violence of the crucifix with the imagery of a wide embrace, which will soon become a symbol of death-defying resistance.

In the negative space at the center, I placed two sheep. They primarily represent the two men—charged as criminals—who die alongside Jesus on the cross. I depicted them as sheep to recall the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7) and to portray them as what they are: vulnerable, desperate, helpless. One turns away; he sees Jesus’ surrender on the cross as a pathetic and pointless defeat. The other trusts in the promise and sets his eyes on paradise. The one who turns away symbolizes all of the people who defy Christ at the end: those who cast lots, scoff, and mock him. The one who looks straight at us symbolizes all who remain steadfast: the Centurion, those who beat their chests, and those who stay, watching from a distance.

In the background, you will see glimpses of newspaper headlines and articles collaged together. In response to the noise and violence of this world, this image is a visual prayer for peace.

—Lisle Gwynn Garrity

* Crosslet imagery originated in the Middle Ages and can represent the four Evangelists, the four cardinal virtues, the Trinity, and many things in between. Learn more here: http://symbolsage.com/cross-crosslets-and-meaning