Crown of Thorns by Mark Cannon 1983

This is such a spiritual and inspirational piece of art.

It was created at a time in Mark Cannon's life when he was in the hospital, suffering a great deal of pain and loneliness.

In the words of Mark Cannon,

During my second year at West Point in April 1983, I was hospitalized for several weeks as a result of a severe wrestling injury. As an athlete, I was no stranger to pain and discomfort but this time was almost too much to bear. It was Good Friday. I was alone, at the end of my rope. I prayed for help.

Just before noon, the daily visit of the West Point Chaplain was a welcome relief. He reminded me of Christ's pain and suffering and of His ultimate gift to us. As a Christian, Good Friday had always been a meditative time for me when I felt especially close to God. As a small child, I was drawn to Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. Even as a young artist, I tried to capture on paper the feelings, the power and the mystery of Christ's greatest act and what it meant personally to me.

The Chaplain left and I was alone again. My hands were sweating from the pain. I reached for my drawing pad and pencils - at first a distraction, but more, it became a cry for mercy and deliverance.
The Chaplain's visit had opened a channel of grace for me pulling me towards an end. I began to draw Four hours of intense effort slipped by in a moment. I felt my heart open, my body grew stronger, when suddenly I was staring into the eyes of Jesus Christ - eyes which I had drawn with my pencil, and which now drew me into their power of love. It was as He himself had guided my hand and allowed me to see with my own eyes and feel with my heart the true significance of His sacrifice.

My experience that day changed my life. Never before had I felt so loved and understood. Knowing that my own hand created His image gave me a new sense of purpose. Into the often dark struggles I have had with my faith was cast a new light, and that light is Christ.

I pray that others will be blessed by His image which I have been blessed by creating.

This beautiful piece of art is professionally framed and matted, the colors and tones of the mats perfectly showcase the art.
A lovely size. Measures 16X20

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