Psalm 31

While looking for various religious icons online last year, I came across a piece by Fr. McNichols. As the subject for his icon, he chose Matthew Shepherd as depicted following his brutal beating. Not only was I struck by the very powerful image he had created, but I was touched deeply by the his choice of Psalm that he offered in his explanation.

This was a one of those rare instances when the image of the piece I was to create came clearly to mind in its entirety. That night in the span of four hours, the work poured onto the paper, almost drawing itself. When I was a done, I was exhausted but emotional satiated by experience.

To Fr. McNichols, I cannot thank you enough for the work you did and the Psalm you offered. And in following with his intent, this piece is dedicated to the 1,470 gay and lesbian youth that commit suicide every year and to the countless others that face prejudice and discrimination for God’s gifts of race, gender, and sexuality in our world.

Fr. McNichols’ re-reading of Psalm XXXI:
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
my eye is wasted with grief, my soul and body also.
Strong, as I am, I stumble because of my inequality,
and my bones waste away.
I am the scorn of my adversaries, a horror to my
neighbors, an object of dread to my
acquaintances; when they see me in the street
they turn quickly away.
I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have
Come to be like something lost.
Yea, I hear many whispering – terror on every side! – as
they scheme together against me, to take my life.
But I trust in thee, O Lord, I say, “Thou art my God.”
Rescue me from those who persecute me!
I will rejoice and be glad for thy unfailing love,
because thou hast cared for me in my distress
and thou hast not abandoned me
but hast set me free.

This piece was rendered with waterproof inks on vellum finished paper. I have found that to take an accurate picture or scan of this piece is near impossible as the paper itself has a mother of pearl finish which does not photograph well at all. Nonetheless, I offer it here as best I can.

Size: 11 x 8.5 in.