About the Artist
John King is a sculptor whose work is deeply rooted in his connection to nature, sense of wonder and spirituality. Guided by curiosity and creativity, he often begins with a raw piece of driftwood or stone without knowing exactly what it will become. The textures, imperfections, and natural beauty of each element are intuitively brought together to create sculptures that reflect the resilience of nature and the transformation that comes with time.
For John, each creation is more than an object, rather, it is a collaboration with the earth’s resources and inspiration drawn from the natural beauty of rivers, lakes, and mountains. What begins as a simple form is transformed into a work of art that is meant to remain alive and bring strength and serenity to others.
John works in his studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the quite presence of his dog Luna who is often by his side.
Journey to the Cross
Sacred Art Through Meditation and Prayer
Each crucifix represents a distinct, one-of-a-kind sacred art piece created by meditating on the Passion of Christ. This prayer journey may span hours, days, or weeks, and the final appearance of each piece remains a mystery until completion. As I create, I find myself reflecting on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and love, which are central to the crucifixion narrative.
The Creative Process
My journey begins by traveling to various lakes and rivers in search of very specific pieces of wood. While walking along the beaches and trails, I transport myself back 2,000 years, imagining different scenes and people that were part of the Passion of Christ. I may envision myself as the person tasked with finding the tree for crucifixion, one of the Sanhedrin who is following Judas to apprehend Jesus, or as one of the disciples following Jesus during his public ministry. I then carefully prepare the pieces in a unique way to bring out the natural beauty of each component. During this preparation, I assume the role of the person who forged the nails, the soldiers who scourged Jesus, or those who fashioned the crown of thorns and placed it on his head. Finally, as I assemble the cross and place Jesus upon it, I embody the Roman soldiers responsible for nailing him there while envisioning their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I see the face of Jesus and gaze into his eyes as the sadness and despair of his suffering surround us.
The Crafting Process
I meticulously prepare and assemble the pieces, using the natural grain and texture and meditation as a guide. Additional elements like metal or stone are often incorporated to enhance the beauty of the wood’s natural features. Throughout the journey, I remain open to God’s inspiration, allowing the story to reveal itself. The result is not just a piece of art, it is something that I hope will inspire reflection and contemplation in others while fostering a tangible connection to the Divine.
