Angels
In my search for images of angels, I couldn’t find anything that looked like the angels I see in my heart and mind. Most of the angels I saw look very feminine and didn’t have any strength. There’s nothing wrong with those depictions of angels in themselves, but that wasn’t what resounded with me. So I began to create warrior angels in character and scope. I don’t need a weak angel protecting me, I want a strong one!
Because of this, my angel art has taken on a different character than that of many others. They are some of my favorite images to create, as they allow a look beyond the veil into the spiritual realm. Here are a few angel images that I’ve created over the years, as well as some of my thoughts behind them.
Revelation 4 describes four living creatures that worship around the throne day and night, each with six wings full of eyes: one with the face of a man, one with the face of an eagle, one with a face of a calf, and one with the face of a lion. This is my depiction of the worshipping living creature who cries “holy, holy, holy” day and night, night and day.
In 2012, I was worshipping in Chicago and we all heard a sound that caused every hair on my body to stand to attention. The sound was so frightening, some left the room. When I got to the hotel, I asked the Lord “What was that?” He said, “What do you think a living creature with six wings full of eyes and the head of a lion sounds like?” He said, “There are sounds from the throne room of heaven coming that you have never heard, nor have a grid for.” Many of these might not be “pleasant” to our ears, but they’re still worship nonetheless! This image, And One Had the Face of a Lion, depicts this creature releasing its unique sound of worship before the throne.
I love this image, Cherubim! It’s my depiction of a cherub, representative of all cherubim, in the heavenly realm, with six wings. Although I’ve never seen one in a vision, this is what came to my mind of this unearthly being who directly attends to God. The ethereal creature's six wings are a majestic sight to behold, each feather glistening with divine light as it gracefully moves in the presence of the Almighty. In my mind's eye, I can almost hear the gentle rustle of its wings as it hovers near the throne of glory, radiating peace and reverence in equal measure. This cherub embodies a sense of awe and wonder, a testament to the magnificence of the heavenly realms and the beings that inhabit them.
This majestic image, Swords Drawn, captures an angelic warrior, standing tall with his sword drawn, adorned in regal purple attire. The richness of the deep purple hue permeates the entire scene, casting a sense of grandeur and nobility. The color's reflection on the warrior's wings adds a stunning touch, enhancing the magnificence of the celestial being. His stance exudes power and grace, embodying the essence of a resplendent warrior ready for battle.
The intricate details of the royal purple garments and the shimmering wings create a harmonious visual symphony, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. The angelic warrior's sword gleams with a hint of divine light, symbolizing strength and righteousness. As we gaze upon this majestic figure, we are drawn into a realm where beauty and courage intertwine seamlessly, inspiring reverence for the celestial guardian before us. Truly, this depiction stands as a testament to the timeless allure and grandeur of the angelic realm.
I am captivated by the unwavering intensity reflected in the face of The Harpist as he eagerly awaits the perfect moment to unleash his musical offering into the symphony of heaven. His face is a canvas of concentration and devotion, embodying the essence of divine inspiration. The radiance of the heavenly realm cascades through his ethereal wings, painting a picture of celestial beauty that transcends mortal comprehension.
Envisioning the harmonious melodies of the angelic choir echoing through the celestial expanse fills me with a sense of wonder and awe. To imagine the privilege of joining our voices in worship with theirs is both a humbling thought and a profound honor that stirs the depths of my soul. The convergence of earthly worship with heavenly praise is a sacred convergence that speaks to the eternal bond between creator and creation, uniting us in a symphony of adoration that knows no earthly limitations.
This image, Awaiting the Command, is one of my earlier depictions of an angel, and it holds a special place in my artistic journey. It started as a bronze sculpture, and it was a challenge to bring it to life. I had to create the intricate chainmail and find wings that convey the power and grace of these celestial beings, which presented a unique challenge. While the traditional image of angels often features dove's wings, the majestic span of swans' wings felt more fitting in capturing the essence of angelic strength and beauty. In this portrayal, we see an obedient servant holding a staff with light emanating from its tip, poised to receive commands from the heavenly realm's supreme authority, embodying a sense of reverent readiness and unwavering devotion.
To me, this is one of the most other-worldly creations that I’ve made concerning angels. This image, Angelic Watcher, attempts to capture this celestial being as he resonates in ethereal magnificence. The intricate details in the metallic wings and the regal turquoise attire evoke a profound aura of power and glory, exuding a majestic presence that is both captivating and awe-inspiring. The inclusion of eyes in his epaulets symbolizes his role as a vigilant watcher, overseeing the harmonious balance between the earthly realm and the divine design of heaven. It is evident that this angelic figure has been entrusted with significant authority, poised to fulfill his divine assignment with unwavering dedication and purpose.
The symbolism embedded in this portrayal underscores the profound connection between the celestial and terrestrial realms, highlighting the interplay of order and alignment in the cosmic tapestry of creation. As we gaze upon this other-worldly creation, we are reminded of the profound spiritual forces at work behind the scenes, guiding and guarding the intricate dance of life with grace and purpose.