A few days before Christmas a young man, Rex, came to our door selling LDS art, in this case pictures he had painted. I use the term LDS art to describe artistic renderings that depict scenes from the expanded canon of LDS scripture, or that represents LDS doctrine, beliefs, and practices.
Rex is a college student majoring in art and his father is an artist as well. He was selling copies of two of his paintings. One was titled \"Families Can Be Together for the Eternities.\" The other portrays an angel rebuking Laman and Lemuel for beating their brother Nephi with a stick. I am no art critic nor do I pretend to know what is great art. But I was delighted by Rex's work and impressed to see pictures that reflect the values and the culture I hold dear.
As we talked, I expressed my gratitude that more and more talented members of the church are writing, painting and creating art that upholds and reflects the principles of the gospel. Scenes from the Book of Mormon or from church history, art that expresses LDS doctrine, that elaborate various aspects of the plan of salvation, of our inheritance as children of God, of pre- and post-earth life, that symbolically expresses the spiritual, are lovely ways to bear and increase testimony. Also wonderful is art that captures the many cultural traditions and diverse communities that now exist within the church.
In conversation Rex explained that before his mission he painted scenes from nature, but since his mission he has begun painting scenes that reflect the spiritual dimensions of life. I do not doubt that the Lord, in his tender concern for his children, has a hand in inspiring artists in our day to use the talents he has given them as yet another way to elaborate and advance his cause. It is a much needed antidote in a world where many grow increasingly disdainful of religious belief and where art has, in the view of some, grown to include that which is vile, perverse and which must offend God.
Talking with Rex led me to also consider what historians call \"material culture,\" meaning historical consideration of the artifacts with which people in various cultures surround themselves. The \"things\" that people accumulate tend to reflect not only their lifestyles but their values and we can learn a lot about past societies, and about ourselves, by investigating material culture. Further, I would suggest that not only do artifacts reflect our values but also have the capacity to impress values upon us.
Many have probably heard the modern parable of the young man who lived far from the ocean yet went to sea when he struck out on his own. His mother could not supply a reason for his desire and explained that life as a sailor was not something they discussed in the home. However, a closer investigation of his childhood abode revealed pictures of seafaring life and of ships on the high seas.
Consider, too, that the brethren have encouraged us to display pictures of the Savior and of temples in our homes to remind and reinforce our commitment to enter temples and there make sacred, eternal covenants with God. The art in our home can shape us in powerful ways.
All these considerations lead me to be grateful that we live at a time when more and more artists within the church are inspired to use their gifts to create that which invites spiritual contemplation, enhances eternal gospel principles, and has the capacity to establish our homes as spiritual oases providing respite from the many decadent representations that often assault us in the world today.
An exhibit currently on display at the BYU Museum of Art, titled \"Types and Shadows: Intimations of Divinity,\" presents religious art reaching back in time as well as beautiful works, recently created, that worship the Savior and his teachings. I don't believe it is too far-fetched to suggest that we are on the cusp of a spiritual and artistic renaissance in the church. I applaud Rex and the many other artists of our day whose creative interests and whose hearts are spiritually inclined. I am grateful to these talented men and women.
It is impressive to see increasing numbers of LDS artists painting that which inspires, uplifts, and turns thoughts to God. I hope that we will support their work and thank them for their efforts to use their talents to build the kingdom of God.