The Art of Faith: Del Parson's Journey from Delinquent to Renowned Religious Artist

In the realm of religious art, few names resonate as deeply as Del Parson. Known for his iconic depictions of Jesus Christ, including the famous "red robe" painting, Parson has touched millions of lives through his masterful brushstrokes and profound spiritual insights. But the journey that led him to become one of the most influential Latter-day Saint artists of our time is as compelling as the artwork itself.

In this week's episode of Why We Believe, we explore Del Parson's extraordinary life and career. From his humble beginnings as a self-described "juvenile delinquent" to his transformation into a beacon of faith and artistic excellence, Parson's story is one of resilience, divine inspiration, and the power of visual storytelling to fortify beliefs and touch hearts.

Join us as we explore the intersection of art and faith, gaining exclusive insights into the creation of Parson's most famous works and the profound spiritual experiences that shaped both his life and his art. This powerful conversation offers a rare glimpse into what it truly takes to create art that resonates with millions of souls, demonstrating the transformative power of combining artistic talent with unwavering faith.

The Roots of Artistic Inspiration: From Delinquent to Disciple

Del Parson's journey into the world of religious art began in an unlikely place. Growing up in a large family of nine children, with a father who was an art professor at Brigham Young University-Idaho (then known as Ricks College), Parson was surrounded by creativity from an early age. However, he admits that he was far from the perfect Latter-day Saint boy, describing himself as a "juvenile delinquent" during his teenage years.

It wasn't until his twenties that Parson experienced a pivotal moment that would set him on the path to becoming the renowned artist we know today. While working a job building fences in Southwest Idaho, he found himself with nothing to read but a Bible and a Reader's Digest. Over the course of that summer, Parson read the Bible from cover to cover, an experience that sparked a desire to truly give the church a try and turn his life around.

This decision led him to apply to Brigham Young University, where he continued to develop his artistic skills. However, it was a chance encounter at a dance that would truly change the course of his life. Meeting a beautiful, spiritually grounded woman who would later become his wife, Parson was inspired to live up to higher standards and deepen his faith. This pivotal relationship, combined with a powerful patriarchal blessing that foretold his future as an artist, set Parson on the path to becoming one of the most influential religious artists of our time.

Tragedy and Transformation: The Spiritual Crucible of Del Parson's Art

While Parson's artistic journey was undoubtedly influenced by his early experiences and education, it was a series of profound personal tragedies that truly shaped his approach to religious art. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Parson lost both his wife and young daughter in a car accident. This devastating loss became a crucible for his faith and his art, leading to some of the most powerful spiritual experiences of his life.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Parson experienced what he describes as a visit from the Holy Ghost, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and comfort that he had never known before. This experience became a touchstone for his art, with Parson striving to capture and convey that same sense of divine love in his paintings. He shares that this moment of profound spiritual connection is what he aims to recreate in every brushstroke, though he admits it doesn't always come easily.

These personal trials also led to remarkable spiritual manifestations that further solidified Parson's faith and influenced his art. He recounts powerful dreams and visitations from his late wife, bringing messages of comfort and doctrinal truths that align perfectly with church teachings. These experiences not only strengthened Parson's testimony but also deepened his commitment to creating art that could touch souls and strengthen the faith of others.

The Creation of Iconic Images: Behind the Scenes of Parson's Most Famous Works

Perhaps no painting has had a greater impact on Latter-day Saint visual culture than Parson's famous "red robe" depiction of Jesus Christ. The story behind this iconic image offers fascinating insights into the process of creating religious art that resonates with millions. Commissioned by the church to paint a "Mormon image of the Savior," Parson faced the daunting task of creating a more masculine, accessible representation of Christ.

The process was far from smooth, involving multiple sketches, divine inspiration, and even a vivid dream foretelling challenges with the church's approval process. Parson's humility and dedication shine through as he recounts working tirelessly on the painting for nine days, only to feel he had failed completely. It was his wife's insistence on sending the painting to the church anyway that led to its eventual approval and widespread adoption.

Another of Parson's most beloved works, "Perfect Love," depicting Christ with children, holds a special place in the artist's heart. Parson feels this painting comes closest to capturing the overwhelming sense of divine love he experienced during his moments of deepest trial. This commitment to conveying not just the physical likeness but the spiritual essence of Christ is what sets Parson's work apart and allows it to touch so many lives.

The Impact of Visual Storytelling: Art as a Tool for Strengthening Faith

Throughout the conversation, Parson reflects on the power of visual art to strengthen faith and convey spiritual truths. He shares how his paintings have been used in missionary work, church publications, and personal devotion, becoming a visual language through which people connect with their faith.

Parson's approach to religious art goes beyond mere representation. He strives to capture the intangible qualities of love, divinity, and spiritual power in his work. This is evident in his recounting of a dream where he met the Savior, noting that it wasn't the physical appearance that mattered but the spirit and essence of Christ that left the lasting impression.

The impact of Parson's work extends far beyond the Latter-day Saint community. He shares a touching anecdote about a nun requesting to use his "Perfect Love" painting in a book about Christian philosophies, demonstrating the universal appeal and spiritual power of his art. This broad reach underscores the potential of visual storytelling to bridge denominational divides and touch hearts across diverse faith traditions.

Key Elements of Creating Soul-Touching Religious Art:

1. Personal spiritual experiences: Draw inspiration from profound moments of divine connection.
2. Unwavering faith: Maintain a strong testimony to infuse authenticity into the artwork.
3. Technical skill: Develop and refine artistic abilities to effectively convey spiritual concepts.
4. Humility: Remain open to guidance and feedback throughout the creative process.
5. Persistence: Push through challenges and setbacks to achieve the desired spiritual impact.
6. Focus on essence over appearance: Strive to capture the spirit and feeling of religious subjects.
7. Universal themes: Create art that resonates across denominational lines.
8. Prayer and inspiration: Seek divine guidance throughout the artistic process.

The Continuing Legacy of Del Parson's Artistic Ministry

Del Parson's journey from a self-described juvenile delinquent to one of the most influential religious artists of our time is a testament to the transformative power of faith and artistic expression. His story reminds us that creating art that touches millions of souls requires more than just technical skill – it demands a deep well of personal spiritual experiences, unwavering faith, and a commitment to conveying the intangible qualities of divine love and spiritual truth.

As we reflect on Parson's incredible journey and the impact of his work, we are called to consider how we might use our own talents and experiences to strengthen faith and touch lives. Whether through art, music, writing, or any other form of expression, we all have the potential to create something that resonates with others on a spiritual level.

Let us take inspiration from Del Parson's example and seek to infuse our own creative endeavors with the same depth of spiritual meaning and authenticity. By doing so, we can contribute to a rich tapestry of faith-affirming expressions that have the power to uplift, inspire, and strengthen souls across the world.

As we conclude, consider how you might use your own unique gifts to create something that touches the hearts of others. Whether it's through visual art, music, writing, or simply living a life of faith and kindness, remember that each of us has the potential to make a profound impact on those around us. Let Del Parson's journey inspire you to explore the intersection of your talents and your faith and see where that path might lead you.

Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.