Commissioned Works — Jody West

Portrait Patricia Brinkman-Falter

Oil on canvas. 20 x 30". 2016.

Nives

Mixed water-based media. Arches watercolor mounted on panel.

25" x 25". 2017.

Private collection.

A Painting for Nives - Commissioned Work.

Whether floating elegantly to the ground, or playing their part in a raging winter tempest, snowflakes maintain their unique integrity while fulfilling the will of their creator. They are an unassuming source of beauty brought forth in the desert of winter, and collectively they are entrusted with providing the life-sustaining moisture that will yield a bountiful spring. Certain snowflakes will become part of a mountainous drift; others will be planted singularly onto frozen window panes for the fascination of little eyes. Whatever their destiny we are assured that each and every one is accounted for.

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-30

In our fallen state we often struggle to realize our true worth and created purpose. Yet, there are those of us, by an unbounded measure of grace, who have our vision of the truth restored, and the winter of our hearts slowly begins to thaw.

Some are enlightened by loved ones, others by a perfect stranger. Many are they who are shaken by tragedy, still others by the monotony and unfulfillment of excess. There are countless ways for the heart to be awaken, and every child of God will be lead to a moment where they must make a decision whether to accept the grace of our savior. Once a life has been dedicated unto its creator, the journey toward eternal life may begin.

The Good shepherd knows his flock, and he left his sheepfold specifically for the purpose of guiding them home. Frozen into a moment of time, he knows just where to find us, and why our crystalline structure has been laid just so. He works in us to transform us, so that we may fulfill our role in the arrival of the greatest spring the universe has ever known.

Hope. Charity. Faith.

A mural painting for Madonna Rehabilitation Center. Lincoln, NE.

Hope. Charity. Faith.

Donated by the Cara and Daniel Whitney Family.

There is a strong possibility that if you are viewing this painting you have come to Madonna Rehabilitation Center seeking help, either for yourself or a loved one. It is following tragic events, at life’s most trying times, that our faith is tested; an immediate response of a logical human mind is to wonder why it has been us that has been chosen to endure hardship, or worse yet, to question whether or not we’ve been forgotten. When touring the Madonna Rehabilitation Center I was assured that not a single one of us has been forgotten.

Hope, Charity, and Faith are characteristics that are uniquely human, and these gifts bestowed upon us by our creator. These are the traits that enable us to realize our own miracles here on Earth when we are the individuals who have been chosen to face adversity. It was immediately apparent to me while visiting the staff and patients here at Madonna that these were the gifts that were granting them their successes; the contagion of positivity and courageousness that flows through these halls allows this community of people to work together to create miracles.

Trauma and sacrifice of the physical self is a great burden that may be forever felt. Why we can never be sure why we’ve been chosen to make this sacrifice, it may be this loss that has allowed us to receive and fulfill a part of our spiritual selves. As you tackle whatever the obstacle may be that has been set before you, remember that you have not been forgotten, but chosen to be an inspiration to your community and to be evidence of these greatest gifts to humanity- hope, charity, and faith.