James Christensen: LDS illustrator sees his art as expression of faith

Once upon a time, James Christensen thought church was one thing and art something else. And so the young Mormon illustrator went his way, painting gnomes, fairies, flying fish and other assorted creatures. He peopled his artistic universe with hunchbacked everymen and dandies weighed down by layer upon layer of complicated clothing. Some figures adrift together in odd-sized boats or danced on a checkerboard playing field. Owls led the way and winged-angels attended them. His creations were whimsical and ironic, metaphorical and magical. But spiritual? Now, at 66, Christensen looks back and sees no visible line between his faith and art. “When you live your religion, it permeates your life and influences what you choose to do and not to do,” the artist said this week. Read Article

By Peggy Fletcher Stack