Artist Statement: The word reliquary comes from the French word reliquaire, meaning “a receptacle, such as a shrine or altar, for keeping and displaying sacred objects. They could be made from metal or carved wood, often based on an architectural design, such as a church with a pitched roof or a Gothic style church window. They held precious stones, pictures, crucifixes and religious relics and were used as personal prayer altars.
This reliquary altar incorporates antique barbed wire, and an ancient bronze lock and crucifix to visually portray John 8:31-36, one of the most inspirational passages in all of Scripture: So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We are descendants of Abraham, they answered Him, and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will become free’? Jesus responded, “I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.”
Freedom is the heart cry of every man, woman and child. Sin deceives by promising freedom when all it does is control and enslave us. True freedom, liberation and forgiveness for those who are a slave to sin is found in Jesus Christ, whose words are the source for spiritual truth.