I'm a Christian Artist using the Fish Symbol "Ichthys"

When I first was diagnosed with cancer in 1990, I thought that perhaps I would die, seeing that both of my parents passed from cancer, just at the age of 60.

God had spared my life, and this started me to think about my life's purpose. How could I use my life to express gratitude to the Lord for all He's done for me, and acknowledge my Faith? Seeking an answer, I prayed about it.

I also thought about...who am I, who were my forefathers? I became very interested in my genealogy...especially since I had no parents to find out about the past.

When I researched my family history, I found that many of my past family members were good Christians with great values. They also included a few Artists, Philanthropists and European art collectors.

How I regretted not having painted more, not having expressed my inner belief and faith...in particular through my art...

I had prayed and asked God to show me what He wanted to do with my life, and one of the thoughts that came through daily was my art ability...I kept on getting these words in my head "God gave you a gift, the gift of expressing myself through the art medium" That's when I decide to paint again, even though I specialized in horses, I started to paint images of all animals and other subjects, including Plein Air painting.

Then also enjoying the opportunity in displaying my art in local Galleries, Shows, and the Library. I was accepted into various National art shows, including American Academy of Equine Art, Draft Horse Classic, Harness Track of America Auctions, Midwest Horse Fair and many more.

At this time I incorporated a small angel or cherub in my large paintings and signing my name with the Fish logo (Ichthys) I felt this was a way that I could "plant a seed" when someone asks what it is or what it means, and that I was not afraid to say, "I am a Christian"....this logo signifying my dedication to the Lord.

I also decided that my income from the sales of my art would be donated to Spreading the Word of God. I found "INTOUCH MINISTRY" and "THE WORD FOR THE WORLD, USA" the latter translating Bibles into different dialects in many languages. Then discovering other venues to donate my art to...like the Local Veterans Chapter # 236 and Animal rescues ...I found my niche'!

How this symbol was used

Ichthys(Greek:)also transliterated and latinized as ichthys, icthus, ichthus or ikhthus; ichthus, spelled: Iota Chi Theta Upsilon Sigma), is the Ancient and Classical Greek word for "fish." In English it refers to a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs resembling the profile of a fish, used by early Christians as a secret symbol and now known colloquially as the "Jesus fish." Ichthus (Greek for fish) is an acronym or backronym of "Jesus Christ, Son Of God, Savior"

what I saw that day...

This painting was inspired the day of 9/11. I could not comprehend the inhumanity...a Bible verse and vision came to mind, hearing Jesus say; "Peace I leave with you" John 14:27

I needed to express myself and take that horrific day into a positive meaning. Well, at least for myself to control fear and negative thoughts. As I started to paint I had no idea what I was going to paint, all I know was the verse in my head. It evolved into this scene, expressing my feelings.

There are many things incorporated in the clouds, a small angle, a lamb and a white horse (you can not see these as they are very tiny and only the person who has the painting knows where they are. I gave this painting to a Texas woman who has a wonderful Ministry on horseback, her name is Crystal Lyons.

This "Messianic Christian" image is one of my favorites....look it up and read the meaning behind it. It represents both Faiths in a unique way...

Having read many opinions on this Symbol or other Christian Symbols, I've come to the conclusion there are Christians that claim you are not a Christian if you believe or use them, they are considered idolatry, that they defy the Word of God and are paganism...however the symbols were established, it makes no difference.

Let me make this clear, I'm not associated with any man made Religion anymore. I am a Christian, a follower of Christ, believing in him and the forgiveness of sin and eternal life through him. I do not adore, believe it's Holy or make idol worship of a symbol, a statue or any man made object....that is Idolatry!

They are symbols that represent my faith and a reminder, just like the cross I wear...No more No less. Using it in my artwork is a great way for me to plant a seed and show my belief. By that I mean, when someone asks what the symbol represents...all I say is, it's a reminder of my faith in the Lord Jesus (the seed is planted, once you have heard His name...then it's ones choice after that) If a Christian recognizes it, they normally say, Oh you're a Christian and we have a bond.