May the Spirit Shine

Here’s an illustration I did years ago for a Christian publisher, based on the idea of “mustard seed faith,” referring to a biblical phrase used by Jesus to illustrate that even a small amount of faith can achieve great things. Mustard seeds are tiny, but grow easily and quickly – an analogy for the potential of even the smallest kernel of faith to produce significant results.

My client wanted emphasis on community action and charity, so I placed a neighborhood in the roots of a tree, with the little yellow seed curled up in a single figure, a symbol of potential. The seed radiates light, like a little star shining from within – thus my title for this illustration. Up in the branches, we see smaller figures interwoven with the tree, engaged in all kinds of activities – playing music, harvesting food, gathering together, reaching for the sun, and dancing.

The use of a restricted palette helped set a mood – at least that’s how I see these muted shades of burgundy, lavender, slate, mauve, and peach. These are the colors of sunset and dusk, and to me they speak of tranquility and peace. The spirit that shines forth from this slumbering figure is a calm sort of radiance, something that emerges naturally, without force or fanfare.

I planted some mustard seeds in my garden a few weeks ago, and the little purplish-green seedlings are already growing. They’ll quickly surpass the nearby baby lettuce, and be ready to harvest in a matter of weeks. I wonder what kind of human potential might be symbolized by other seeds, such as parsley, which germinates ever so slowly, and seems to take half the summer before it’s ready to be snipped; and kale, so vulnerable to slugs and snails, but able to grow until the snow flies.

The truth is, we humans have more in common biologically with mushrooms than we do with plants. I’m working on sketches for a painting about that now.

You can order a poster or greeting cards of May the Spirit Shine here.

A good week to all!

D. Yael Bernhard

https://dyaelbernhard.com

Have you seen my other Substack, The Art of Health? In addition to being a visual artist, I’m also a certified integrative health & nutrition coach with a lifelong passion for natural food cooking and herbal medicine. Now in its second year, this illustrated newsletter explores cutting-edge concepts of nutrition. I strive to make relevant information clear and accessible, and to anchor essential health concepts in unique images. Check it out, and if you like it, please subscribe and help spread the word. Your support keeps my work going!