Faithful and True: The Magnificent Steed
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Faithful and True: The Magnificent Steed
Reflections from the Studios – Episode 3
There are moments in the creative process when a work of art begins to reveal something beyond itself. It becomes more than metal, paint, or stone. It becomes a conversation—a quiet invitation to look deeper.
That is the story behind Faithful and True: The Magnificent Steed.
This aluminum sculpture is part of an ongoing series featured in our book, Song of Songs: A Divine Romance Between Art and Scripture. Through Hope Through Arts, Suzanne and I seek to explore the beautiful intersection of creativity, Scripture, and the transforming love of God. Each reflection from the studio is an opportunity to share not only the finished artwork, but also the spiritual journey that gave it life.
(YouTube link to Faithfful and True - Reflections from the Studios - Episode 3
One of the defining characteristics of this sculpture is its use of negative space. The shapes that remain open are every bit as intentional as the aluminum that surrounds them. Throughout my years as a sculptor, I have discovered that what is left out can be just as meaningful as what is included. Empty spaces have their own voice. They invite the imagination to participate in the work, completing what the eye cannot immediately see.
Perhaps our own lives are much the same.
God often works through places that seem empty, unfinished, or even broken. What appears to us as absence may actually be the very space where His grace is quietly forming something beautiful.
The inspiration for this sculpture comes from Song of Songs 1:9:
"My dearest one, let me tell you how I see you. You are so thrilling to me. To gaze upon you is like looking at one of Pharaoh's finest horses—a strong and regal steed pulling his royal chariot."
At first glance, it may seem like an unusual comparison. Yet in the ancient world, Pharaoh's finest horse represented exceptional beauty, unwavering strength, noble purpose, and complete devotion. Nothing less than the very best was worthy of carrying the king's chariot.
What a remarkable picture of how the Bridegroom speaks to His beloved.
In earlier reflections such as Flowing Oil and Cloud Portal, we considered the gentle tenderness of God's presence—His healing touch, His invitation to rest, and His quiet companionship.
Faithful and True reveals another dimension of His character.
Here we encounter His majesty.
His strength.
His steadfast faithfulness.
His royal authority.
The Shulamite bride captured Solomon's heart through a beauty that reached far beyond outward appearance. In the same way, Christ looks upon His people through the eyes of redeeming love. He sees not only who we have been, but who His grace is shaping us to become.
Many of us struggle to believe that.
We remember our failures more readily than His forgiveness. We carry regrets that seem too heavy to lay down. Yet the message of the Gospel gently reminds us that our past does not have the final word.
There is no wound beyond His healing.
No life beyond His restoration.
No heart beyond His reach.
The title of this sculpture, Faithful and True, ultimately points beyond the artwork itself. It points to Christ—the One who is forever faithful, forever true, and who faithfully continues His work within each of us.
As we spend time in the studio, our hope is never simply to create beautiful objects. It is to create places of encounter where art opens a doorway to reflection, prayer, and the living presence of God. If these reflections encourage you to pause, to listen more deeply, and to discover His beauty in fresh ways, then the purpose of our work has been fulfilled.
Thank you for joining us for another Reflection from the Studios.
May the Lord remind you today that you are deeply loved, wonderfully redeemed, and continually being shaped by the hands of the Master Artist.
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 1:6
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