Biblical Touchstones' mission is to reflect 'The Creators' character and share His words, thoughts and values through biblically-themed artistic expressions, as demonstrated in our website Galleries.

Personal Statement:

    Biblical Art Touchstones is an outgrowth and expression of what I hold most dear. That is the relationship with the Lord and his Word.  The goal is to reflect Him in all I do.

    Creating biblically-themed art is a natural expression of my values, beliefs and passions. My role model is the Creator himself. Sensitivity to His spirit is the guiding force, giving  direction to these artistic efforts.

     Therefore, the goal of this enterprise is to share what the Lord has shared with me on the journey. May it be a blessing to you!

About the Artist

      I grew up in rural eastern Nebraska in a setting defined by rolling hills, lazy creeks and rivers, endless horizons, spacious skies, quilt-patterned grain fields, animals grazing in lush pastures, and dynamic sunsets. From the beginning I was immersed in nature with its distinct, well-defined seasons, colors, textures, and agrarian cycles, sights, sounds and smells. These defined my early years. The intricacies, subtleties and unique beauty of this setting shaped my visual sensitivities and perspective.

     Growing up and working in an agrarian setting has given me special insight into the pastoral context of the scriptures. Tilling, cultivating, waiting for the early and latter rains, and harvesting were part of my early DNA.  Therefore,  pastoral references, metaphors, and parables evoke powerful memories and firsthand insights into these scriptures.

    Artistic inclinations in my life found early expression in my father's woodshop, creating birdhouses and various agrarian motifs from scrapes of wood.  Over the years I have explored a variety of artistic mediums. Developing fine woodworking skills led to Furniture design and woodcarving endeavors.  

    A passion for biblical archaeology has also contributed to my artistic direction. It has given me a broader perspective of history, cultural sensitivities, and exposure to the dynamic 'layers' of the Scriptures. The word of God is steeped in the context of land, nature and society, which I can relate to, based on my heritage.  Researching the foundations of the Bible narrative in the "Land", where it originally unfolded and where the Word was recorded, has been a privilege and blessing. God has used archaeology to encourage my faith, enrich my life and see things through His eyes.

    My graduate degree work at the University of the Holy Land in Jerusalem opened many doors and opportunities to excavate in Israel, including Qumran, Bethsaida, and Nazareth. As a member of the Nazareth Village First- Century Reconstruction Project team, I was given the opportunity to participate in biblical archaeological research. 

    Encaustic and archaeology have a great deal in common, in which one layer or strata, whether it be dirt or wax, builds upon another and the relationships tell the story. Furthermore, the medium of encaustic dates back to the biblical era that I find so fascinating on a variety of levels.

    Of special note is the inspiration, patience, and support I receive from my wife, Kathie, in all my artistic endeavors. In conjunction with the Scriptures, she is an ongoing source of encouragement. The images I create lead to some very interesting theological discussions and further insights. She has been and continues to be is a blessing to me and my work! An extra special tribute of appreciation goes out to her.

    As a member of both the Omaha and Bellevue Artist Associations, I display my work in the Metropolitan Omaha area. A variety of my pieces have been juried into the Upstream People Galleries' " Annual Judeo-Christian Online International Art Exhibit". I am also a member of CIVA, Christians In Visual Arts, which is committed to the support and promotion of Biblical/Christian artists. Membership in the International Encaustic Artists organization gives me access to other professional artists in the field. Finally, the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) provides contacts with regional artists and subsequent exhibits.

AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS/ONE PERSON EXHIBITS:

"More Than the Stars", Cold Wax, Fourth Place, OAI @ JCC Gallery, February, 2022

First Place Award, "Tempest", Bronze Sculpture, BAA @ Ginger's Gallery, January, 2022

Best of Theme, "Watching Over Us", Cold Wax, OAI @ Hot Shops Gallery, October, 2021

New exhibits at the 'Cloister on the Platte' giftshop & Turtle Creek Gallery, Ashland, NE, 2021

Membership in 'Gallery 92 West', Fremont, NE 2020

Creating a series of Biblically inspired bronze sculptures. 2020

Best of Show, "Hallelujah", Cold Wax/MM, BAA 'Silver Palette' @JCC Gallery, 12/19

"Our Roots Go Deep" & "Bountiful", juried into ANAC Annual Show, June, 2019

"Sarpy Artist Explores Biblical Themes",  Article in Omaha World Herald, June 24, 2019

"Shin", CIVA Source Book, 2019

"Mighty Waters",  Cold Wax, Honorable Mention, OAI @ JCC Gallery, Feb 2019

JH Hospice House Fund Raiser Event @ Hotshops Gallery, Omaha, Nov. 2018

Bethsaida Model,  Batchelder Conference in UNO Archaeology Museum, Nov. 2018

"New Life", encaustic/mm, Honorable Mention, OAI @ Gallery 92, Fremont Oct 2018

"Seek the Lord" bronze sculpture, 4th place, OAI @JCC Gallery, January, 2018

Main Street Art Gallery, Elkhorn, Ne - Guest Artist Exhibit, Sept/Oct 2017

Noyes Art Gallery, Lincoln, NE - Invitational Show, October, 2017

Main Street Art Gallery, Elkhorn, NE  - Guest Artist Exhibit,  Sept-Oct, 2017

Crane Trust/Harnady Gift Shop, March/April, 2017

Bronze Sculpture tribute, 'Our Roots Go Deep', to celebrate Nebraska's 150 Anniversary, 2017

Berean Church D-Wing Gallery Invitational - One Person Exhibit, February-March, 2017

Old Market Banner Project, Omaha - Nominated for "Best Public Art Project", 2017

Swanson Center Exhibit @ Carol Joy Holling,  2017

First Place Award: "Jacob's Ladder" Sculpture, Ashland Arts Council, 2016

Special Recogition: "Annointed" & "Inscribed" -  International Judeo-Christian Exhibit, 2016

Old Market Banner Project: "Morning Has Broken/Out of the Ashes", Omaha, Ne  2016

Artist of the Month, BAA - "Walk Around Jerusalem" Photo Art, February, 2016

Biblical Touchstones Gallery Opening @ Bell-Place Shoppes, September, 2015

Fourty Piece/One Person Exhibit at Sozo Gallery, Old Market, Omaha, Ne, 2015

First Place-"Lion of Judah". Cold Wax/Mixed.  Ashland Arts Council, 2015

Special Recognition Awards: "Lion of Judah", "Back to the Garden", "Watchmen on the Walls"-International Judeo-Christian Exhibit, 2015

Invitation to Grace University Staff/Student Annual Art Exhibit, 2015

One Person "Biblical Touchstones" Art Exhibit at Jewish Community Center Gallery, 2014

Selected to Display at "Simply Spirit" Christian Art Exhibit, September, 2014

"Create in Me a New Heart"-Encaustic. Juried into Nebraska State (ANAC) Competition, 2014

Special Recognition Award-"Jacob's Ladder"-Internaional Judeo-Christian Exhibition, 2014

'Ravel/Unravel' Traveling Show, "Walk Around Jerusalem",  Encaustic/Mixed, 2014

Best of Show - "Days of Creation". Encaustic/Mixed. 'Silver Palette Show', BAA, 2013

"Jonah: Out of the Depths" - Juried into Envisioning Spirituality Exhibit, Hot Shops, 2013

"Walk Around Jerusalem" Sculpture. 'Envisioning Spiritually' Exhibit. Hot Shops, 2013

Director's Choice - "Days of Creation". Encuastic/Mixed. Designers Gallery, Omaha. 2013

'Special Regognition Award' - International Judeo-Christian Online Exhibition, 2013

First Place - "Noah's Story", Encaustic/Mixed. Omaha Artists, Inc - Designer's Gallery, 2012

"Shelter of His Wings", Encaustic/Mixed. Juried into WAX Digital-IEA Online Exhibit,2012

Second Place Award - "Noah's Story", Encaustic/Mixed. Silver Palette Show, BAA, 2012

"Bountiful": Encaustic. Juried into Annual Nebraska State (ANAC) Competition, 2012

'Special Recognition Award' - International Judeo-Christian Online Exhibition, 2012

Honorable Mention - "Green Pastures,Quiet Waters", Encaustic. Omaha Artists Show, 2012

'Artist of Month' - Bellevue Artists' Association - December, 2011

'Best of Show' - "Walk Around Jerusalem", 3-D Encaustic. Silver Palette Show, BBA, 2011

Honorable Mention - "Bethsaida City Gate", 3-D Model. Silver Palette Show, BAA , 2011

"Bethsaida City Gate",  3-D Model. International ASOR & SBL Conferences, Atlanta, 2010

Honorable Mention Award - "Seek the Lord": Sculpture. Silver Palette Show, BAA, 2010

First Place Award  -  City of Gretna Logo Design Competition: 2009