Stephen Feist talked to me about his creation in wood, ‘Gates of Paradise’. Although he was at pains to tell me he is not a theologian but a graphic designer, albeit a retired one, he was directed by the Holy Spirit how to interpret the Bible in his artwork . And it is truly beautiful.
In this interview, he talks about his creation, THE GATES OF PARADISE. It hangs on display in his home church in Lee on Sea, England.
And this profound panel is made predominantly of driftwood. With blackened beams that have been recycled to depict the hands of Christ at the artwork’s center.
SYMBOLIC OF THE BIBLE
From the books of the New Testament laid out to the flowers that represent almond blossoms, golden roses and myrtle, we find Bible meanings. Feist associates the flowers with biblical rulers and prophets and Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus.
And there are 15 of them, that double as stars . With five blanked, to reference the fall of one third of the stars in the Book or Revelation.
Everything in this panel conveys holy meaning.
EAGLES’ WINGS
And there are eagles, each with one wing spread, as finials. “Saul and Jonathon were referred to as eagles,” Stephen says.
Feist views the Bible as a catalogue of fascinating symbols. Pointing out the sun and moon that he has also included in this artwork, he says, “They mark the seasons. What better season to look forward to than the Son of Man coming, as it says in Psalm 19, ‘like a bridegroom’ out of his tomb.”
LIKE MEDIEVAL ART
Unlike modern art, which offers a glimpse or hint of its subject, Stephen’s approach is to show everything, just as medieval artists did.
His wood art is beautiful and carries a wonderful message, making it a delight to explore.