About this Image:

Ten women decide how to respond to opportunities in their lives. Who will be wise, who will be foolish? A symbolic take on the classic tale of ten women warned to prepare for a bridegroom, from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/25?lang=eng&id=1-13, which was written for our day. Some of the women listened and were wise, bringing plenty of oil for their lamps, while others listened but did not think things through. They were foolish. Readers often judge these women and lump them into clear and discrete boxes, seeing the story as a tale of extreme contrast and I told you sos. But realistically, there was likely little difference between these women (and really, the story and lessons apply to men as well as women). One day may find any of them being more prepared, listening and obedient than another. However, on this day, when it mattered, only some listened, thought, and carefully prepared. All had been invited and had shown up with their lamps, but only half had spent a lifetime filling their vessels with the preparatory oil of testimony. Though the groom arrived late, half of the women had enough oil, or faith, to let their lights shine, to properly greet him, and to be welcomed into the feast. These similarities among the women are illustrated in the closely mirrored imaging on both sides of the central vessel representing the pure testimony of The Savior, and in the reflecting water beneath them. Those with no oil asked the others to share theirs, who must have ached, like all caring people, when there was not enough to go around. We can love, share, and invite all day, but no amount of good intentions from others can brim vessels which can only be filled by each owners good works and faith.

About the Artist:

I create traditional and electronic theaters of the mind, written, spoken, and seen, striving to improve the human condition by creating paintings, illustrations, videos, and books and giving public addresses that bring joy, uplift, and change hearts. -Lester Yocum

About Altus Fine Art:

As individuals, we are all drawn, as Paul said, to seek after that which is pure, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy. For the last 20 years, we at Altus Fine Art have been blessed to work with many artists who have bravely dedicated their talents to create artwork that lifts our hearts and souls and inspires us to live Christ-centered lives.

Our mission is to take this wonderful artwork and create affordable products for the average family or individual while still using quality materials and design. Our prices range from small prints that sell for less than a dollar up to large breathtaking masterpieces that sell for thousands of dollars and everything in between.

Altus Fine Art is a small company of individuals dedicated to making a difference in the world. We design, manufacture, and ship most of our products locally from our facility in American Fork, Utah. We welcome any feedback you have about our products or the way we do business. If any of our products have helped you in any way, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve.