Blossoming Love- Easter Art by NPTS Student Evelyn La

Last year, I was inspired by an Easter Sunday service that sparked in me a motivation to paint my own interpretation of God’s love. It was at this very service at my local church that I realized the extent of God’s unending love for me and for others.

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, so in my painting, I wanted both to express love and to commemorate Easter Sunday at the same time. The ominous grey-colored wave brushing past the cherry blossoms towards the cross represents the body of Jesus.

I decided to paint sakura because of their significance in Japan. Commonly known as cherry blossoms, they are known as a “symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life.” Similar to the meaning of Easter Sunday, I wanted to pick a flower that represents rejuvenation and renewal. Also, cherry blossoms have a short life span for they grow in two weeks and fall to the ground. As they scatter and illuminate the floor beneath, they leave an everlasting presence. Despite their short life span, they continue to make a difference in the world around them. Likewise, Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins and his presence is left unending and untouched. His love and compassion continues to reign in us.

The different shades of pink represent love. The color pink represents the “color of universal love of oneself and of others.” As the “law of love” tells us to love both God and our neighbors, I found the color pink to best parallel the meaning of God’s love. When others saw my painting, I wanted to ignite a sense of love with one another, gratitude, and peace. This very combination of different feelings was what I experienced on that Easter Sunday service. Similar to how God reveals himself through signs to train us in love, I hope my painting can serve as a sign for others.

Evelyn La