This episode marks a new chapter in Mormon Visual Culture. As we close 2017 and our celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Gospel Vision of the Arts, we turn our focus to other critical aspects of the LDS art community and culture. In this extended episode we sit down with Richard Oman, longtime curator at the Church Museum of History and Art. This discussion is wide ranging and dives into the question of the role of art in the Church and the role of the Church in art.
An Interview with the Artist Gary Ernest Smith
I this special episode, Micah Christensen sits down with the renowned artist Gary Ernest Smith to discuss the Art & Belief movement that Smith was instrumental in organizing in the 1960s. Held as a live interview and Q&A during the final night of the 2017 Zion Art Invitational, the interview dives into Smith's work and where LDS art has come in the last half-century.
The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith by Gary Ernest Smith. Oil on Linen. 20 x 30 in. Collection of the Artist.
Note: Please excuse the audio quality on this particular podcast, it was recorded remotely in front of a live audience.
Dr. Vern Swanson on LDS Art
A long-anticipated masterclass from Dr. Vern Swanson, author, museum director, educator, etc. sits down with us to discuss the trajectory of LDS art from his personal experience dating from 1965 until now. He discusses several important paintings in the history or LDS art up until work that is being done today and he shares several insightful stories of where we have come from as an arts community.
Nativity (2010) by Brian Kershisnik. 89 x 204 in.Collection of BYU Museum of Art.
Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs by J. Kirk Richards.
Unto Us by Walter Rane. 35 x 35 in. Oil on Canvas.
Leslie Graff on Rose Datoc Dall
Autumnal Journey by Rose Datoc Dall. Oil on Canvas. Collection of Leslie Graff.
Leslie Graff is much more than an artist, but her work has been featured at BYU, in Church exhibitions and in museums across the country. Her professional life reflects on child development, but her passion for art, especially for a work by her friend and artist Rose Datoc Dall.
MVC LIVE: An Interview with Walter Rane
Breath of Life by Walter Rane. Oil on Canvas. 48 x 28 in. From the Zion Art Invitational.
A special opportunity sit down, live podcast and Q&A with the renowned artist Walter Rane. One of the most recognizable LDS artists of our day, Walter Rane has inspired countless artists and has dozens of works featured in Church collections. This was recorded at the Historic Immanuel Church in Salt Lake City on September 16, 2016 in front of a live audience.
MVC LIVE: Temple Art & Architecture
A discussion with Temple Architect Paul Monson and Temple Art Manager Arch Williams, who currently work designing LDS temples and commissioning art for their interiors. Paul & Arch will discuss the role of arts in the architectural designs and how creating contemplative continuity within temples is essential to each individual building.
Artist Colby Sanford on Bruce Hixson Smith
We sit down with Colby Sanford to discuss a very, aesthetically different piece by Bruce Hixson Smith titled Jacob & Leah, now on view at the BYU Museum of Art in the Interpretation Thereof Exhibition. Sanford also discusses his background, training in ceramics, life in China, and the only four colors that matter.
Jacob & Leah by Bruce Hixson Smith. On View at BYU Museum of Art. Courtesy of the Artist.
4th Annual Backyard Show featuring works from Colby A. Sanford
Saturday, September 16, 6-8 pm
1675 Oak Lane, Provo
Cris Baird on his Collection of Contemporary LDS Art
For the first time, we sit down with a collector to get a new perspective on the state of LDS art and what it means to those who come to own those works. Cris owns several works, most notably a work by Brian Kershisnik on display at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Learn more of what it means to be a collector and how to get started buying LDS art.
She Will Find What Is Lost by Brian Kershisnik. Collection of Cris Baird.
Lazaros, (α 8.5h 22.5m 20.02045s / δ -14.5° 0′ 14.059″), 2015, airbrushed acrylic on canvas, 74 x 111 in. Collection of Cris Baird.
Artist Casey Childs on Frans Schwartz
This week, we talk with the renowned artist Casey Childs to discuss one of his favorite religious works of art, Agony in the Garden by Frans Schwartz. Virtually unknown until the work came to BYU with the Sacred Gifts Exhibition, this work has become a favorite of artists and enthusiasts alike. Casey discusses Schwartz use of color and light and the ultimate effect of the emotion of the painting.
Agony in the Garden (1898) by Franz Schwartz. Oil on Canvas. Courtesy of Norresundby Kirke, Denmark.
Agony in the Garden at the BYU Museum of Art.
Take These Broken Wings by Casey Childs. Oil on Canvas. 48 x 24 in. Collection of the artist.
Greater Love Hath No Man by Casey Childs. Oil on Canvas. 60 × 96 in. Courtesy of the Church History Museum.
SPECIAL EPISODE: Announcing the Zion Art Invitational Sep 12-Oct 1
In this special episode, Micah and Eric announce the first Zion Art Invitational taking place in Salt Lake City from Sep 12-Oct 1 presented by the Zion Art Society. Learn more about the Invitational, the artists involved, and the events surrounding it in this special episode.
Featuring original works of art from:
Paige Crosland Anderson
Michael Hall
Tyson Snow
Justin Wheatley
Colby Sanford
Jethro Gillespie
Niki Covington
Jenedy Paige
Justin Kunz
Tim Boyle
Katie Ricks
Emily Fuller
Bryan Mark Taylor
Clinton Whiting
Ben Hammond
Tom Holdman
Ryan Brown
Caitlin Connolly
Arnold Friberg
Minerva Teichert
Gary Ernest Smith
Dennis Smith
Trevor Southey
Tom Lovell
Del Parson
Robert Barrett
William Whitaker
Wulf Barsch
James C. Christensen
Michael Malm
Walter Rane
Joseph Brickey
Linda Curley Christensen
Jeff Hein
Mary Sauer
J. Kirk Richards
Howard Lyon