Ether 3

Oil on Chipboard | 9” x 5”

This painting does not depict the moment, but honors the place.

The stones prepared by the hands of the Brother of Jared.

The earth where the Lord revealed Himself.

We do not know where Mount Shelem was in our world.

Hugh Nibley notes that Shelem means “high, safe, secure”—

the same root as shalom.

A man ascended this mountain with effort,

carrying stones in his hands.

He came seeking light.

He left having seen the Lord.

Here, faith gave way to knowledge.

The veil did not just thin—it parted.

What was once believed

stood before him.

Artist Statement

Nature’s Temples is a series of oil paintings that pays tribute to the sacred mountains where ancient prophets communed with God. Each a natural altar where the veil between heaven and earth thinned, and something eternal was revealed.

Each 9” x 5” panel portrays a specific mountain from scripture:

• Mount Tabor, where Christ was transfigured in light.

• Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Law.

• Mount Shelem, where the Brother of Jared saw the Lord’s finger.

• Mount Ararat, where Noah’s ark found rest after the flood.

• Mount Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac.

• Mount Peniel, where Jacob wrestled and was renamed Israel.

• Mount Simeon, where Enoch was lifted in the Spirit and saw God.

• Mount Bountiful, where Christ appeared to the Nephites.