About the book
This book is a pictorial presentation of Cork Smalley’s Christian testimony represented by original designs of Christian symbols captured in colored photos, sketches and writings. The book is a ‘Testimony’ to his ‘art’ inspired by God while listening to sermons, attending bible studies and other Christian events.
The cross on the cover is the original cross he designed and made, called “Dove and Cross”. The Star of Bethlehem usually is shown in a cross form, which ties Jesus’ birth and death together. The supporting cross is Black—mourning Jesus. The White Dove of purity is inclined downward to indicate that the Holy Spirit descends on us to bless us, and is alive and visible. Some call it the “Bethlehem Cross”. The Bethlehem star as a cross announces the birth of Jesus Christ. The black cross represents His crucifixion for our sins. The white dove depicts the Holy Spirit through who is given eternal life to those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Testimoniart book is available for purchase here.
About the author
(Photo: Brian Powers/The Register)
I have a story to share – A Christian connection
I believe I was led to this point in time since I was born. I believe it is a directive from God. Let me define that:
I was born into a Christian family and environment. I was baptized into God’s Kingdom as an infant in the Lutheran denomination. I grew up attending church regularly. It was part of our lifestyle in those days. I was an obedient child and adult—never caused or in serious trouble. This discipline followed me into the military and a variety of employment. In college I met the girl who became my wife and we are still together today.
So, how did we get to today? By leaving to God what I can do to serve Him. I believe He has brought my life this far to prove He is not yet through with me. Early in life my talent at handcraft was determined to eventually materialize to share, inform, inspire and motivate others to seek, know and join God.
Through prayer I found what I was supposed to do. I was introduced to the cross of Jesus Christ. The message it carried to me through Jesus’ suffering touched me deeply. Sharing its meaning became a passion.
From Christian connection to Testimoniart
I was interested in art in elementary school. Nothing I drew was significant, but it was discernible from scribbles. Junior High School offered wood shop where we made simple but useful items, like a table lamp and a jewel box. This was hands on learning, not a dull text book. In High School I was introduced to mechanical drawing which came easily. I really liked it.
Several years passed and I enrolled in Landscape Architecture at Iowa State. This offered more drawing and architectural design. After 5 years and many hours in design labs I could draw legible plans, but not artistic renderings. So I stuck to sketching to scale with perspective. I could take an idea and sketch it into a picture which was identifiable. I worked for a home builder where I designed some houses with detailed construction. I did some freelance drafting where I took a wood toy and drew it to scale with dimensions and a detailed description of how to make it. I worked for a consulting engineer drawing topographic maps and designing land subdivisions. I designed our family room, a four season porch, and a tool shed. Yet I never had a ‘hobby.’
I was always involved in a church activity in addition to the Sunday school and service; council, committees, bible study, retreats, conferences, etc. Midway through life I became quite interested in Christian symbols. So I sought sources of Christian designs, and found very little that fit my need. About this time a friend challenged me to design Holy Communion. After prayerful thought I came up with a design I called “NEW WINE” which I carved in wood. Venturing further into the Bible, sermons, group sharing I was inspired, resulting in rough sketches of an idea which I then transformed into wood. The message of the Bible spoke to me not only in words but graphically. It was at this time I was inspired to design what I named the “BETHLEHEM CROSS” a 3 dimensional piece that was enthusiastically received by friends and strangers. My exposure to the messages of the Bible resulted in over 600 sketches, mostly of one-of-a-kind crosses. Many pieces are made of wood with an exception where necessary, like the plaster Dove on the cross. I used simple tools; a scroll saw, sand paper, bench sander, knives, stain and paint. Some of my non-cross pieces also were hand carved.
After 35 years of sketching hundreds of designs and making hundreds of pieces my wife and I decided to move to Vintage Park Co-op in Beaverdale. A problem arose called downsizing. What do I do with all of the Christian art I had made and kept. With God’s help I was able to get exposure about my art in the DM Register in June 2015. The article helped me dispose of virtually all of my collection. I gave some to the FishFactory Christian ministry in Highland Park to sell and kept some crosses which now hang on a wall in our apartment. I was not yet ready to give up on my original purpose for my art; to use it as a testimony of my Christian faith. For some time I had pondered over putting my sketches and multitude of photos in a book, mainly for myself and my family. One of my sons became my co-author in preparing a book which we eventually had published to sell through Amazon. I no longer have any pieces to give away or sell, but I do have a power point, prepared by another son, to share what I did in God’s service and to His Glory.
This art is graphic testimony to magnify, glorify and praise our ever present almighty God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; inspired by God through the Holy Bible, individual and group study, sermons, hymns, Christian events and prayer. There is no limit to how we can illustrate the importance of our Lord God and His place in our lives—who He is, what He has done for us, what He does for us, and what He will do for us. His love abounds to abide in us through His Son, Jesus.
This website was designed and published by the Smalley family.
Testimoniart book is available for purchase here.