Allegory of the Olive Tree

My father’s paternal grandfather was a migrant farm worker from Mexico. He specialized in grafting trees. In The Book of Mormon (Jacob chapter 5) there is a parable of an olive tree. It details the master of the vineyard (Jesus) and the actions he takes to care for and save his olive trees (His people). This allegory has always had special meaning to my family. For this painting I used my great grandfather’s image as a model for the main figure. He is a representation of Jesus, grafting in new olive tree branches to the old tree. My hope for this painting is that it will help people see Jesus not just in themselves, but in those who come from different cultures as well.