It might be the most challenging piece of artwork she's ever created, and it's definitely the most controversial she claims. But it's exactly the kind of work she's been praying for. Deanna Wiseman recently completed a limited-edition print titled, “If My People.” Based on scripture, the print's intended message is a moral and spiritual healing for our nation.
“I want my artwork to have a spiritual purpose,” said Wiseman. “One that will draw people closer to God.” She believes that the talent she was given as an artist should be used to lead people to Christ. That's why it was an answer to her prayers when someone commissioned the print.
The person who commissioned the print chose not to comment, but according to Wiseman, the painting was requested by someone who has a great concern for the future of our nation. “God has been removed from our classrooms and courtrooms. Churches have become so liberal that the gospel has lost its meaning. And parents are losing their children to the things of this world,” she said.
The print's title was inspired by 2 Chronicles 7:14, which reads “If my people which are called by name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” It conveys the message that our nation today can only be saved if we bring America back to God.
The painting was inspired by a letter which was written and published in the Wall Street Journal during the Great Depression of the 1930's. In that letter, the editor of the Journal said, “What this country needs to bring us out of the depression is not to build more factories, but... for men to go home early on Wednesday afternoon, hitch up the horse and buggy, get the whole family ready and go to the little white church in the grove of oak trees and attend Wednesday evening prayer meeting.”
With that letter in mind, Wiseman prayed for a week before beginning the painting, asking God to show her how to proceed. She envisioned a church nestled in a grove of oak trees with the sun breaking through the trees and a scroll of scripture unfurled in the clouds. Also included in the painting is a horse and buggy passing by a church sign which invites people to Wednesday evening prayer meeting.
Some people will view the print as being old fashioned or not relative to today, Wiseman says. But the painting was created for Christians. “This is a way to get Biblical scripture displayed in Christian homes where it can remind us to pray for our nation and stay accountable to God,” she said.
Another reason the print is relative to today is because people are so busy. “Most people would say that Wednesday night prayer meeting was fine for the early 1900's but today they have a hard enough time getting to church on Sunday,” said Wiseman. As a self-employed artist, she understands that attitude. Her evenings are often consumed by work-related activities, so attending a weekly evening prayer meeting is a struggle. Yet she feels pressure to set a good example since creating the print.
Wiseman said she's created many paintings that represent the Autumn season, but this is the first work of art that depicts a scene that's set toward evening during a harvest moon. “The family in the wagon has left their crops in the field during a time when they could have worked late into the night by the light of a full moon. They chose to attend church at a time when they could be gathering wheat or corn. This symbolizes their commitment,” said Wiseman
A book given to her by her mother-in-law has been a valuable tool in helping Wiseman to complete the painting. The Rebirth of America declares our country's freedoms and Christian heritage. It also tells the dramatic story and impact of America's great spiritual awakenings. “I used the book to inspire thoughts and give vision to what might be included in the painting,” said Wiseman The book was published in 1986. “They thought our country was in the gutter then, from the way the book reads,” she added.
If My People was commissioned by someone with a great concern for what life will be like for that person's grandchildren. Wiseman shares that concern if God chooses to bless her with grandchildren. She considers it a privilege to paint something with such spiritual significance, but she says she doesn't know how much longer she'll be able to paint. “I'm slowly losing the feeling in my hands due to a severely degenerated disc in my neck,” she said. “It's very difficult for me to paint, and surgery may be in my future.”
Wiseman grew up in a Christian home and she believes that her physical ailments are part of God's plan to keep her humble and useable. The pain she endures is a constant reminder of Christ's sacrifice for her. “I'm a vessel God uses to get the message out,” she said. “I don't want any credit. This is for God's glory.”
Wiseman believes that people are more open to God and spiritual things with everything that is happening in the world,--wars earthquakes, droughts, floods, and economic turmoil, “I hope that this print will take the viewer back to a simpler time, when we had more time to focus on what's really important. I hope that Christians will want this print framed and displayed in their homes as a reminder to take their faith seriously because the future of our nation depends on it,” said Wiseman.
During her career as an artist, Wiseman has painted hundreds of landscapes and portraits with historical purpose. She claims that all of those paintings had a special meaning to those who commissioned them.“This painting has a message for God's people,” she said. “If we as Christians don't stand up for our beliefs, then there's no hope. Our nation as we know it is gone.”
“If My People” will be published as an Open Edition. The first printing will be limited to 100 prints plus 25 Artist Proofs. Prints will be available for purchase by late summer, but can be reserved now by calling Wiseman Graphics Framing Gallery at 570-758-2770. http://www.drawingfromthepast.blogspot.com/
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