Illustrating divine realities.
Pax StoryArcâ˘
The Pax StoryArc⢠is a multi-sensory digital publication created by people of color.
A few times a year, a four-issue StoryArc⢠explores the biggest concerns of the next generation, including cultural identity, nonviolence, migration, and more. Pax commissioned me to create four central illustrations for their Scripture StoryArcâ˘.
Problem
To introduce each of its four issues, StoryArc⢠needed four beautiful illustrations that introduce the artwork, music, poetry, videos, and writing held within. And on a tight timeline after the previous artist fell through last-minute.
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Solution
Four illustrations and headers for each that find harmony together while each expressing their own unique ideas. From research to concept, I brought my own insights to the content, speeding up the process to meet every deadline.
Illustration #1: Manifesto
âWe were given Scripture as a divine instrument to become like Jesus.â
The theme of the entire StoryArc⢠is Scripture. So as the issue itself explore ideas about the ancient text through a modern lens, the illustrations also explore the mixture of analog and digital elements.
The central idea of the first illustration was that humanity was given the Bible to become more like Jesus. Hence, the centrality of Jesus in the illustration and the surrounding depictions of Scripture.
Illustration #2: Myth
âThe Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.â
The Bible has often been cherry-picked and censored to justify ungodly agendas. This second illustration visualizes that phenomenon with imagery reminiscent of redacted documents.
Red letters signify the words of Jesus in the famous command âLove your neighbor as yourself.â Markers and torn paper signify humanityâs influence on Scriptureâcensoring, altering, and re-writing for ungodly agendas.
Illustration #3: Material
âJesus is the key to understanding Scripture.â
A central idea of this issue (and of the Bible) is that Jesus is the incarnate Word of God. Therefore, heâs the key to understanding Scripture.
A collage of Bible scans from a variety of different translations, books, and languages form the portrait of the middle eastern Jesus of Nazareth.
Illustration #4: Motion
âScripture leads us to living like Jesus with the Spirit as our escort.â
Just as the first part focused on Jesus, the fourth (and final) part of the issue focuses on the Holy Spirit.
While the first four parts focused on theology and thinking well, Motion focuses on sanctificationâtransformed living. I sourced Scriptures that focused on the Holy Spiritâs role in a Christianâs good works, and incorporated them into this illustration.
“Edward took our concept and creative direction and infused his own interpretations, filling in the gaps to bring a more robust cohesion to this project and our message.”
Credits
Client: Pax
Creative Director: Mondo Scott
Visual Artist: Edward Sun