Passage by Faith. Exploring the Inspirational Art of James Christensen

by James C. Christensen (Illustrator)

Combining keen observation with an endless supply of imagination has become the hallmark of James C. Christensen, one of the world's most beloved artists. The artist thinks art should invite us, attract us, and draw us in writes Christensen of his titular painting Passage by Faith. The author says I'd love for the viewer to participate a bit in this painting and imagine himself in that boat, making a passage by faith. Such personal thoughts and feelings are at the heart of this beautiful and timeless book of art, inspiration, and spiritual emotion. For more than thirty years, Christensen has been translating the world around him into masterful and inventive art. This collection the first ever for a Latter-day Saint audience explores the spiritual elements of his work and unveils the visual metaphors, symbols, and meaning behind the meanings of some of his most popular fantasy pieces, such as Hold to the Rod and The Responsible Woman. Also included are pieces with deeply personal meaning, such as Twilight and The Nest, and scriptural images such as Gethsemane, The Rich Young Ruler, and The Annunciation, as well as a few gems that have never been printed before. Beautifully designed with more than sixty images and comments from the artist, this is a book that art-lovers of all ages will treasure. Inspired by the world s myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful if sometimes curious looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In all things are possible when you share Christensen s philosophy that Believing is Seeing.

Genres: Art, Religion

129 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

James C. Christensen was an American artist of religious and fantasy art.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved his explanation and story behind his artwork. Especially loved the everyday man balancing life.

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book of art, inspiration, and spiritality. I love James C. Christensen's imaginative art work, and in this book, we also have his commentaries about each spiritual painting, which itself is touching, inspiring and exhilarating. His religious painting, "The Ten Lepers," hangs on my bedroom wall and becomes more significant every day. Thank you, Jerri and Erlend, for giving me this book for Christmas.

[Heloyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have always been intrigued by Mr Christensen's artwork but this collection of his inspirational artwork is superb. The real delight was not just in looking more closely at the art but reading the adjoining pages of his observations and commentary. One of the best gifts I received at Christmas.

[Simeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked it because it seemed to address any spiritual need almost anyone would ever need. The book is about art of of James C. Christensen and the meanings and symbolism behind the art. My favorite painting was the painting "Passage by Faith" because it was the easiest to read.

[Ann Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary artwork accompanied by the artists comments on his work. His insights both visually and verbally gave me much to enjoy. But beyond the whimsical in many of the pieces, lies deep and meaningful insights into the human condition and into our relationship with the eternal.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book of stories behind and insights into the art of my favorite artist. It's great to have the artist explain some of the symbolism behind his work.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Book. I love his art.
I also feel fortunate to have met him once. He lived just down the street from my sister’s in-laws

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty incredibly compilation of James C. Christensen, where he gets ideas to the stories behind some of my favorite of his paintings. It also includes some of his early art — including some of his very paintings and religious art and his whimsical ones, too.

Click here for a feature story and an interview with James C. Christensen.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just purchased this coffee table book yesterday. I love this mans work and would love to find a print of the responsible woman. Nice compilation. He explains his motives and symbolism of each painting included.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Christensen discusses the inspiration and symbolism behind some of his beautiful paintings. Hearing artists of any genre discuss their creative process is endlessly fascinating to me and inspires my efforts to create meaningful art.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT! So many thoughts and insights I want to remember

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different than what I thought it would be, but pretty interesting.

[Terrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always really liked James Christensen's art. It was so interesting to read the story and symbolism of his paintings and look at the gorgeous pictures.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book!!! The art work was amazing! The writing was uplifting , and some was even fun!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been drawn to the art of James C. Christensen's. Now after reading the artist's creative ideas and deep beliefs, I adore it!

[Sydnee Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The paintings were breathtakingly beautiful. I truly enjoyed reading about what inspired these amazing paintings. My favorite artist, for sure.

[Don Gubler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the pictures, his art is fantastic. The text is also enlightening and inspiring.

[Janet Purser · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Christensen's commentary on his paintings provides insight into everyday life. Inspirational!