A Light Unto the Nations

Illustration © D. Yael Bernhard

This illustration from the Book of Isaiah is one of many dozens I painted for several Christian publishers. For twenty years I was part of a team of artists who were assigned six to twelve Biblical passages each year to illustrate for weekly publications that were distributed nationwide for the United Church of Christ. This experience was greatly enriching for me, as I delved into both the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament (Christian Bible). The editors I worked with were progressive thinkers, articulate writers, and lovers of artistic expression.

Always I was given a choice of selections, and without exception I was drawn to those from the Book of Isaiah. Here is where some of the most poetic and enigmatic passages of ancient spiritual literature are found. Meaningful to both Jews and Christians, Isaiah’s prophecy sheds light on the dark side of humanity, addressing our moral weaknesses with unflinching accuracy, foreshadowing the future, and evoking images that are an illustrator’s dream. In this passage, it is the righteous individuals of ancient Israel – those who are faithful to the divine Presence – who are a light unto the nations, repairing the world with good deeds and charity.

The design is simple: Four landscapes from different regions of the world and four groups of people emanate from the central figure, who holds forth his message, extending these ideals to the four corners of the earth. The title of the piece (A Light Unto the Nations) was printed over the center of the figure. I avoided all particulars, keeping the image as universal as possible. The commonality and goodness of all people is all I wished to convey. That’s the shared light of Judaism, which ever strives to do good in the world, and of Christianity, a beautiful tradition that has matured beyond the dark ages of earlier centuries. In the words of Isaiah, these two traditions find common ground and sustenance, like two ancient trees with intertwined roots, growing side by side and drawing upon the same deep waters.

Dividing an illustration into sections of smaller images is a common technique for telling a story visually. Little vignettes show actions and scenes that help convey the meaning of the text. Illustration is the art of visual communication, enhancing a written passage and encapsulating it in a form beyond words. I try to bring out the best in my assignments, and to create images that all people can relate to.

With the passing of winter Solstice, the light is beginning to return! No matter what or how you celebrate this season, may the light in your life shine, and may you brighten the lives of others.

A good week to all –

D Yael Bernhard

http://dyaelbernhard.com

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