Exhibited in SLC in the international religious show.
This painting is called “And should we die before our journey's through” the title based off of the song ‘come come ye saints’. It’s a personal painting from when I felt like I was staring death in the face due to multiple autoimmune illnesses I didn’t know I had at the time. I will tell you that I was extremely nervous to put a painting this personal out there. But I hope it sheds some light on the process of death and that it can be beautiful and sacred.
I didn't paint this piece until years later, right after my younger brother tragically died. The pain was unbearable, I felt the desire to create the painting that had been sitting in my sketchbook collecting dust.
As I painted I felt all the emotions about death, my own experience and the pain of loss.
I sobbed as I painted, sad, broken and even angry about a life lost that was far too young, and far to early to leave mortality.
It was as though I was releasing the gut wrenching pain with each brushstroke. This painting helped to cause healing for me. It's also a reminder about death not being the end.
We don't know how long our life is meant to exist on earth and at times it seems unfair that some get to live long full lives while others only short ones. I've learned from my experience not to take a moment of my time for granted. Dying young doesn't mean it's the end. It's the beginning of a new journey.
I am also extremely humbled for the kind words about it on the Zion Art society podcast. I hope you’ll go listen to the whole thing. My piece is discussed at 40:40 zionartsociety.org .
1. Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
'Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell--
All is well! All is well!
4. And should we die before our journey's through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell--
All is well! All is well!
-Jen
Wow, this painting sounds incredibly powerful and emotional. As an art enthusiast, I'm always moved by pieces that come from such a deep, personal place. The fact that you created this during such a difficult time, processing your own brush with mortality and then the tragic loss of your brother, must have made it an intensely cathartic experience.
I can only imagine how vulnerable it must have felt to exhibit something so personal. But I think art like this is so important - it helps us connect with and process our own feelings about death and loss. The image of you sobbing as you painted really struck me. It's a vivid reminder that art isn't just about the final product,…
I just noticed a piece of your work in a recent lesson in “Come Follow Me”. It was a detail of one that I think you titled simply “Woman”. I did a search and really enjoyed looking through your work online. Your piece titled “And should we die before our journey’s through“ is truly amazing! I also enjoy painting.