symbol

Monthly theme was "GOLD", so I thought about gold as a hedonistic symbol and meaning. Almost religious. I imagined a society praising hedonism as their religion.

Victory Through Prayer Medium: Water Color Markers on Illustration Board Size 2' x 4' Year completed: 1991 This illustration is part of a collection of artwork I did while in the military entitled, "The Army Years", I served in the Army National Guard for 5 years, and the regular Army for 4 years. One of the main reasons I got out of the military is because I didn't have much time to do my artwork. While I was stationed in Germany I did a few posters, and banners for a German/ American Playhouse, and I was in a European art show. This illustration was done during The Desert Shield / Desert Storm, during this war, many soldiers were afraid that our military equipment would fail to function due to the desert sand. While I was stationed in Germany, I attended a Christian hospitality house, that ministered to military personnel, and their families. I knew and heard of soldiers who died or were wounded in the war, we prayed for God's protection for those we knew were in harm's way. I believe the reason the casualties were low for the collision force is that God gave them a swift victory on the battlefield. No one should think that it was just might, and smart bombs, Iraq had the 4th largest military in the world. The Bible teaches that God causes the rise and the fall of nations. Decoding the symbolism : The " v " with lightning bolt shooting out of it =God giving the collision forces victory over Iraq's military. The large bold eagle with the arrows in its right talon, and with it's left talon open to attack, = the U.S. attacking Iraq. The banner made up of the flag of the collision, tie to the eagle's open talon= The U.S. leading the collision nation in the war against Iraq. The necklace with the cross attached to it, around the eagle's neck = God protect around the U.S. forces, the result of intercessory prayer of Christians. The flag of Iraq illustrated in the shape of the geological area mass of country, being shattered by the lighting = God judging Iraq, by giving the collision power to conquer Iraq and occupy her land. The land mass colored red at the bottom corner of Iraq = the country Kuwait, that Iraq invaded, that was the cause of the war. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo October 12, 2008

This painting started out as a pumpkin design for the Chads Ford, Pennsylvania, Historical Society’s Great Pumpkin Carve, which I have been participating in for the last eleven years. What inspired me to turn the design into a lasting painting was the message, made the design so relevant. It seems the message, which echoes louder and louder as each day passes; the force of heaven and hell are coming out of the dark and into the daylight. The dove in the painting has always been used in mankind’s history to represent hope, peace, and the symbol of the Holy Spirit. The sun in the Bible is called the greater light that governs the day. So, I used dove and the sun to represent the spiritual force of the heavenly kingdom that is seen and unseen in our world. The bat is known as a creature of the night, thought to be a foul creature that people fear. The moon in the Bible is called the lesser light, which was created to govern the night, to give light on to the earth at night. Nighttime is mentioned in the Bible as when men do their evil deeds. Before man invented methods to light the street and people’s homes, people limited their activity at night due to the absence of light. People with superstitious beliefs believe that demonic creature dwelt in the shadow and would attack them if they stepped out of the light. Another historical fact is that bandits would hide in the dark and rob night travelers. People also worked while it was daylight, then would party, get drunk, and sleep around at night. The Bible mentions that those who reject God’s Messiah do not come into the light because their deeds are evil, and they don’t want them to be exposed. So I chose to use the bat and the moon to symbolize the dark evil kingdom of the fallen angels. 168 The reason why the two creatures converge in the middle is because mankind is the centerpiece that both sides are contesting for. Man kind, in the beginning, was created as a holy creation. But just as Satan decided he was going to exalt himself above His Creator, he went to the rest of the angels to get them to join his army to dethrone God. When Satan and his army lost the battle for the heavenly kingdom, He turned his eyes to conquering the earthly realm by tempting mankind, who God had gifted the deed of the earth to. The devil possesses a snake to hold a conversation with man to deceive them into distrusting God and leading them to disobey the commandment from God not to eat from The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This is how man became the middle battleground. God’s force is battling to restore mankind back to fellowship with God and regain their citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom. Satan and his army of fallen angels work on deceiving, afflicting, and destroying mankind in hope of taking as many as his army can drag to the eternal lake of fire, where God will throw everyone who has denounced Him as their God and king. (Sept 18, 2016) See Less

Medium: Ink on Sketch Book Paper Size: 15” x 25” Year: 10/04/2019 This Illustration is my Pumpkin carve design for the Great Pumpkin Carve, sponsored by The Chad’s Ford Pa. Historical Society. I have been participating in this event since 2006. I designed this picture to illustrate the human heart toward God. Understanding the symbolism in the design Human heart: A Fortress God’s Communion with Man Kind: Irish trinity flowers, with the crown, cross, dove God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit The two doors: the diverse ways mankind communes with God. The door with the thorny flower design: A religious person who live with out power. They refuse to allow God to sit on the throne in their lives. The door with the Grape Vine design: A follower of Jesus, who summit their lives to God’s lordship. John 15:5 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Stephen J. Vattimo 10/04/2019

Ink on sketchbook paper subject: illustration for the national paper Size :11" x 14" Date: 10/20/2017 Artist: Stephen J. Vattimo This ink illustration was created for a pumpkin design for a carving contest. The hands grasped tightly in prayer. The national flag in tatters, representing all the trials and tribulation the nation is going through, The compass represents seeking direction. The who illustration making the statement, The need for a nation to look to God for direction, and healing of our land. God made a promise to the nation Of Israel, which I believe is offered to any nation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo

God Provides Mural: acrylic paint on Stretched canvas. Size: H 30 “x 40” w 1” D In this mural I seek to illustrate How God through Jesus provide for the spiritual needs of humans. The first century fishing boat with its nets stretch out to dry on the shore, Jesus calls us to leave our old live behind and join Him on a new adventure. Just as he calls his disciples to leave their lives of fishing and join Him in bring people back to God. The illustration of a boy lunch in a desolate place, we are reminded that God know our physical as well spiritual needs. If we seek to put him first in our lives, He will take care of the rest. Jesus and Peter walking on the rage ocean, God call us to weather many great storms, to be able to participate in rescuing of the spiritually drawing. We always need to be reminded to keep our eye on Christ unless we become filled with fear and we become overwhelmed by our hostel environment and being to sink. Jesus on the cross, God knowing no sin, sent His son to be a sacrifice, the innocent trading place with a vile criminal to face a horrible death on the cross. We can all identify with Barabbas, for because of our sinful words and deeds, we ourselves are criminals before a Holy God. If we identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection from the dead, for the payment of our transgression. This is the only way to be forgiven and washed clean of our sinful past. We have been given the holy spirit to enable us to turn from sin and walk in the newness of life through His word and spirit. The rock with ALPA and OMEGA and Irish flower carved in it: represent Our eternal God who existed in the eternal past and will exist in the enteral future. The rock with dove facing down, represent the coming of Holy Spirit who Jesus sent, after He went back to Heaven. He came to teach us all truth about spiritual things, about God, to give us understand of His words, and to strength our bodies, minds, spirits to enable us to do the will of God. The rock with fish symbol: Represents the sign first century Christian would draw on the ground to test a person to find out if they were a true follower of Christ or if they were a spy, trying to expose were the Christians met for church. So, the Roman could arrest and kill Christians. How the test was administered: The initiator would drawl half the body of the fish in the grown, then the person being evaluated, if they were a Christian would know to draw the second half of the fish. Written By Stephen J. Vattimo 1/18/2023

unknown, pen on paper, 2022

"Transformation of color " In creative survival, the artist has to continually look around in his work for evidence of effective patterns and symbols.

pencil on paper, 2021

Fed by a Miracle of Compassion Medium: Acrylic on canvas Size: 11”x14” Year: 2019 Artist: Stephen J. Vattimo Matthew 14:13-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Five Thousand Fed 13 Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the [a]people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 When He went [b]ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already [c]late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” 17 They *said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Ordering the [d]people to [e]sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, 20 and they all ate and were satisfied. They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. 21 There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children. This illustration is part of a mural about the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The mural consists 9 images that depict the Miracles of Compassion Christ worked that are recorded in the Bible and He continues to perform in the world today. Understanding the symbolism in the painting. The basket of to fish and bread sits in the grass; Jesus had instructed His disciples to have the people sit down in the grass. Dead grass: the event took place in a desolate place. Historical and cultural illustration. Basket design: In the first century in the middle east people traveled on foot and when on a long journey they carried food with them. The common lunch pal during this time period was most likely a small wicker style basket with a removable lid, and a leather strap attached to it. So, a person can sling it across their shoulder for comfortable transportation. The basket would most likely be lined with a cloth wrap around the food to protect it from dust and bugs. The fish and bread: In John 6:1-15 which mentions the same event, tell us the 2 fish and five loaves of bread belong to boy, so most likely his meal was that of a poor person. The common fish that was eaten by the poor in this region and time period, were sardines. The five loaves of bread: Were most likely a type of flat bread which is commonly consumed by middle eastern people. The Bible verse that best communicates the message of this illustration is: Matthew 6:25-33 New American Standard Bible (NASB) The Cure for Anxiety 25 “For this reason I say to you, [n]do not be worried about your [o]life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the [p]air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by being worried can add a single [q]hour to his [r]life? 28 And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But [s]seek first [t]His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be [u]added to you. Written by Stephen J. Vattimo 3/25/2019

Created a few years ago, this little one has become my personal symbol. I often wear a button with this image on it without the background. Illustrated in pen and ink, colored in photoshop, and lettered and layed out in Illustrator.

The symbolic painting "Expectations" is filled in with both literal and metaphorical meanings. Time passes very quickly, but when we are waiting for something, it practically stands still. Expecting an event can be unbearably tiring, or it can be enjoyable. It all depends on the circumstances. And everyone can remember something similar. The girl depicted in the painting is possibly expecting a child, or perhaps some other event. She gently hugs the clock, a symbol of time, like the belly of a pregnant woman. This expectation reveals all her inner feelings, doubts, fears, and hopes associated with this event. Time drags on for an impossibly long period, so long that it seems to her that she has already grown old from this expectation. In the painting, the artist indicates this with the gray hair of a young girl. Despite the long wait, the girl smiles and hopes for the best. The artist used warm pastel colors of oil paints on canvas with gilding. The painting was created using clockwork to enhance the meaning. The artwork "Expectations" is part of a “Time” series of paintings with clocks.

Looking for the meaning of life Douglas Adams style, you could say…

One last thing before bedtime…

This piece was made 2 months into starting drawing. A symbolic surge of creativity and inspiration as the veil was broken down. This can be considered a personal milestone.

segments , steps, blindfolded, a difference of language between the body and something subtle , lack of movement.click -switch! the union of body and soul , the disappearance of the blindfold from the eyes and the flight between the immensely endless bright layers of fields .I am very curious about the sophisticated nature of things and phenomena: myself, people the Universe, I like to consider and feel them like a multi-layered cake, where each layer has its own history, worldview, and even its own temperature. I love to listen lectures of charismatic lovers of philosophy, design, music, human psychology and I enjoy the excitement it brings and the birth of new layers inside me. I rarely manage to silence my inner critic and for many years I have been learning how to be able to do it productively. I am still in the process though. I treat my life as a long voyage, changing directions and yes - sometimes those around me. I understand that even 24 hours a day is not enough and I definitely realize that my life today is much more colorful and interesting than when I was 20 years old.

"Facade" depicts the duality between constructed appearance and natural image. The old woman manifests societal idealization of beauty within her headpiece, burdened by the intricacy. Aesthetically pleasing symbols around her echo the notions of her manifested identity. This facade subconsciously contributes to continuing superficial values.

Wanhoop (Eng: despair) is a work I made last August/September. It's clay which was baked and afterwards painted with acryl and coated with some transparant nailpolish. To me it symbolises the depth of my depression. Despair.

I'm working on finishing this with watercolor and pen. It symbolizes growing up and the important relationships between old and young. Critiques are appreciated.

This is inspired from the the soundtrack to Gladator the film. Its about how most people will end up in some kind of Colosseum, metaphorically speaking. Life will throw at us many problems. A sketch for a body of work. The black cross is a sword buried in the ground. Maybe its a symbol of peace.

Does anyone here know what they could be? or what this reminds them of?

"This digital artwork represents two snakes coiled in a helix, symbolizing the indissoluble union between physical and mystical life. The intertwined shapes evoke the structure of DNA, reflecting the fusion of science and spirituality and inviting reflection on how these dimensions are woven into the fabric of life."

Pagan symbol of your choice of Goddess

#Golgaaryol Injured into symbols The wounded Shadow The ink flows and carries nonverbal oddities [April, 2023] Danielle East - Broken Butterfly https://youtu.be/4WiMDebAnzo?si=k2yO1ALrmwyysOt4 I wanted a picture of a sad dragon - finally I turned ordinary doodles [from 2023] with brushes into something like this, blur and softening effects were also added.

A portrait of everyday power. This hammer isn’t just a tool—it’s a symbol of the work ethic that built me, the late nights, the factory shifts, and the determination behind every canvas. Graphite, grit, and precision shading bring out every dent and edge. Simple object, serious presence.

A mixed media piece depicting everyday things and the unobserved mysteries underlying most everything.

A long time ago In Egypt you would bury the person with some belongings you think they would benefit in their after life. A few interesting objects I chose were from a mobile, baked beans, kitkat, toothpaste, apples, gloves to a paintbrush and more. A fun artwork where egyptian hieroglyphic symbols were used.

You know you can always count on me, friend Like no one else, I've gotten used to the coldness of the stone So I can be with you often Silver rain will wash away the tears of the Dread Sky I will rise with the sun… I will rise with the sun… - Valyrym.  Referring to the story "The Dragon In The Dungeon" Some say I'm hitting the point. So I strike again. When the Writer dies, the World creates a seemingly imperceptible void, a void waiting to be filled, greedily begging others for revelation.  For the next One to take its place in this great spiral. Light. Narrow tunnel. Echoes. Arise. Rest in Peace Coyote - Of The Wilds was a talented writer, author of many fantastic stories which he never managed to finish. He was able to convey true, deep emotion through words, through many unfinished stories. Now, through the ending of the Story. These stories have contributed a lot to my life in 2020, as I wrote about in “Split Of… Personality”. Like for many others, he inspired me to create. I wrote “Split Of Fate”, deleted it, now I'm bringing it back to life, but I also have other plans - regarding the stories of Of The Wilds… but more on that later… This was difficult to draw. Difficult without getting eyes wet. Just a quick doodle… Well, if I were nearby, I would place an apple on his grave.