Hello, my name is Stephen, Stephen J. Vattimo was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania in the year 1965, and grew up in a private boarding school, the Pathway School, in Audubon, Pennsylvania. He attended Plymouth White Marsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and Central Montgomery Vocational Technical School in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from both schools. While in high school, he was an active member in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol. A year after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a combat engineer. A year and a half into his enlistment, he transferred to the U.S. Army National Guard, where he became an antitank TOW missile crew man. In 1989, he enlisted in the U.S. Army (regular) as a combat medic. He was one of the nine medics serving an M.L.R.S. Nuclear Covert Tactical Unit in Giessen, Germany. In 1991, he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, with a field medical clearing company, supporting the First Green Beret and the Twenty-third Ranger Battalion. Stephen made the decision to leave the military to have employment in the civilian world to be able to have more time to pursue his art and poetry. Stephen attended Citadel Bible College from 1986 to 1987. He has been a volunteer summer missionary a couple of times with Overseas Christian Servicemen Center, which is now known as Cadence. Over the years as a civilian, Stephen has worked in the electrical field for fifteen years and telecommunication for two years. He has been creating spiritual art and poetry for twenty years and has been writing spiritual apologetic articles for ten years with the goal to share the hope that is found in coming to faith in Jesus the Christ and the blessed life one can experience in walking with and obediently serving our God.
I specialize in illustration, painting, pen and ink.
Sower and the Seed This painting illustrates the parable “The Sower and the Seed,” a teaching of Jesus recorded in the book of Matthew chapter 13. The four hearts in the sky represent four different responses of those who hear the Gospel message. The heart on the lower left represents those who have heard the gospel but reject it. The devil then comes and takes it away from their hearts. This is illustrated by the crows flying away with the seed that fell on the road side. The second heart on the upper left side of the sky represents those who receive the gospel message with joy, but it doesn’t take root in their faith, and their faith is temporal, falling away when trials or affliction come their way because of the gospel. This is illustrated by a grape vine withering away in the heat of the day due to a lack of a deep root system. The heart in the upper right corner of the sky represents those who received the gospel and believe, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. This is illustrated by the grapevine being choked out by a purple, flower-bearing, climbing, strangling vine called, morning glory. These vines produce pretty flowers, but they are an organic farmer’s enemy because they will choke out his crops. I learned this firsthand in organic farming when I was a missionary for a couple of summers. The heart in the lower right corner of the sky represents those who hear, believe, and are committed to living for the gospel, so they produce much fruit. This is illustrated by a healthy, strong, fruit-bearing grapevine. The tilled field represents the world that God has prepared to receive the Gospel message. The sower represents all Christians that are commanded to go into the world and proclaim the gospel message. The seed being thrown by the sower represents the gospel message going out to the world. The seed bag has written on it, “The Word Seed Co.” (October 28, 2017)
Size 4' x 5' Painted on canvas Medium acrylic painted 1995 In this illustration i am trying to portray how active the spiritual world is in every day of our lives. How heaven and hell, these two kingdoms are battling it out to win our devotion. Even when A person chooses to become part of God's family, the believer will still have to struggle with the forces of darkness as long as we live in these mortal bodies. The room is suppose to look like it's on fire. This is to represent the destiny of man, spending eternity in the lake of fire, if he refuses to be saved through God plan of salvation. the two people in this paint are the two leader of the two kingdoms. The Devil on the left, Jesus on the right. They are both standing at the door way that will lead to their kingdoms. They are both beckoning the viewer to go through their door. In this painting I want the viewer to understand that spiritual battle take place with every decision we face. When we come to a spit in the road our we going to choose the right road or the wrong road? What ever road you Choose will sooner or later reap the reward. The reward will either be destruction or blessing, the blessed think is we choose I illustrated the devil in a beautiful purple robe with gold sequence , To show He is the king of the fallen angels. Purple in the Bible was worn by king and governors and ruling authorities. The purple hood is to show that Satan is a deceiver. He will take truth and twisted into a lie , kind of the way a person will put poison mix in peanut butter to get rid of an unwanted mouse. Most people don't recognize when the Devil is temping them, because the only view of Him they have is the movie the exorcist. But He is more effective when He appears in the form of a used car salesmen. The gold belt He wears and the golden door way represent His tactics to side tract us with the love of temporal thing such as the love of money , fame, power. If a person gain the whole world yet loose his soul what has he truly gained. Illustrated Jesus dressed in a golden Robe with a golden sash. This represent He is the High priest who offered the sacrifice that appeased the requirement to deliver man from the power of sin, and restore man back to fellowship with God The Father. The door way to heaven is made up of the cross that Jesus gave His life on. If you look at the painting closely you will see holes in Jesus hands and feet. You also can seen on the cross from the blood and the spike marks where Jesus was nailed to the cross. The devils door has endless darkness of Hell , where Jesus' door has endless light of heaven. The rocking chair was designer to represent contemplation. Their are hearts with question marks in side them on the head rest as well the seat. I think of people sitting in their rocking chair when they have a big decision to make. So i think before we make decision, we should thing what will be the fruit down the road. If I plant thistle when it grows up it will hurt me . If i plant wheat, when it grows up it will feed me.
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
Title: Windows to the Soul Medium: Ink on sketch Book Paper Size: 10” X 14” Year: 01/09/2020 This Illustration is a pulmonary design/study for a future painting. Theme was born from a poem I wrote a couple years ago, by the same title. The main massage is that Christians are to be windows that Jesus Christs can shine His light of, Love, truth, mercy, salvation, hope, new life, in to a darkened world by the power of sin. The power of sin is what subjects all creation under destruction, suffer, death, decay. The Devil, and countless fallen angel use these tools to destroy the human race. Christians Have victory, through faith in Christ, from being a salves to sin, they have obtain adoption into God’s family, and removed from the coming damnation that is for the rebellious angels and the humans. Christian still are still temped to commit sin, and still make bad choices. Christian’s sin, hinder their effectiveness to be a witnesses for God’s kingdom, their short comings are like black drapes, that hang in a widow, that hinder the sunlight from brightening and warming a dark cold room. The massage communicated by symbolism The stair well leading down with the railing around it: The railing: The 3 petal flower is a Keltic symbol for the trinity of God. The railing around the stair well: Represents, God’s desire that none should perish but to repent. It also represents that people go to hell by their own choice, through their deliberate rebellious living against God. No ne accidently end up on the wrong side of the railroad tracks. The Stairs going down: Represents sinful humanity that is separated from a holy God. Without a spiritual intervention, we all have one destination that is the lake of fire, which is the finale judgement for sin. The open glass pane door: Represents God wants humanity to except his invitation to commune with Him, receive the new life He offers to provide for them. The stair case without railings: Represents the path to TheHeaven, which must me travailed by faith. The partly open drapes hanging in the Picture widow. Represent sin that try to prevent the light of truth to penetrate the darkness of deception. The railing with the fishes and crosses: This represent the Heavenly destination of Christian. It also stand for Christian being God’s Life guard. While living in the world, their mission is to take the salvation message into all the world. The second Floor open door, the entrance filled with light: This represents the entrance to Heaven. The globe sculpture represents a world needing to be repossessed, from the power of the curse of sin. By the hand of God, it will made new, absent of rebellious angel and humans. Absent from destruction, suffering, death, decay. Stephen J. Vattimo 1/10/2020
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
I painted this illustration to publicly proclaim the biblical account of a six (literal) days creation by the Holy Trinity to be the true account of the origin of all things that have been, are now, and will exist. I believe the evolution theories have many holes in them and lack sound evidence to declare evolution as the true account of the origin of all matter. I believe schools should teach both theories, and let the student decide which is truth for themselves. The three figures of light that are holding the hourglass represent the Trinity—the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit—Who together created all things. The background of the painting is supposed to illustrate that the Trinity created all things from nothing. The hourglass is supposed to appear to be made of pure gold, representing a creation without corruption and decay, which would later be part of the curse the creation would be subjected to because of man’s sin. The top and bottom bases of the hourglass have the icon of the moon and sun six times to represent the six days of creation. The six spheres floating inside the hourglass represent the six (literal) days and what was created on each day. The first day, God separated the darkness from the light. This sphere is placed at the bottom of the hourglass because sand in an hourglass always flows down. The second day, God separated the sky from the sea. This is represented in the sphere located at the bottom right of the hourglass. The third day, God separated the land from the waters, represented in the top half of the sphere. The bottom part represents the plant life that was created on the same day. The fourth day, God created outer space: every star and planet. God mentions the sun was created to light the earth by day and the moon to light the earth by night. This is represented in the sphere located at the top middle of the hourglass. 1514 The fifth day, God created the creatures of the air and the creatures of the water. This is represented in the sphere located in the top right of the hourglass. The sixth day, God created both the land creatures and man. This sphere is located in the top left of the hourglass. (October 28, 2017)
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
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
