Goodness & Mercy: the story behind the Nature-Inspired Reliquary

Recently, I was commissioned by a new client to create one of my nature-inspired contemporary reliquaries for their home. After a home visit to see the space and collect dimension and decor details, I started the project as I always do, with a sketch. 

The initial sketch of this nature-inspired reliquary.

The client really wanted something elegant and loved the way my textured cold wax and oil surfaces created an understated but aesthetic when combined with the featured  sculptural work.
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As with many of my pieces, I created a meaningful statement for the owner after I was finished, based on my own impressions, thoughts and intentions while creating.  Here's what it said: 

“Goodness and Mercy” 

As I was creating this piece, Goodness and Mercy, I was inspired by the promise found in Psalm 23:6 (NKJV): “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Set within a richly textured cold wax and oil panel, this work tells a story — not just of beauty, but of God’s presence woven into every layer of our lives. The branch running through the composition represents the life we have in Christ. It echoes His words in John 15:5 (NKJV): “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit…”

​Everything we need flows from that connection. When we stay rooted in Him, we grow, we thrive, and our lives bear fruit that reflects His nature.

Resting on that branch are two birds: Goodness above and Mercy below. Goodness overtakes and surrounds us, a picture of God’s favor and delight. Mercy upholds and strengthens us, often unseen but always faithful. These two aren’t just following us — they’re covering us, lifting us, and watching over us. And just as two birds can bring forth new life, they represent the divine partnership that brought us into the Kingdom through Jesus. “For in Him we live and move and have our being…” (Acts 17:28, NKJV)
The nest, gently nestled into the branch, speaks of our home in Him — a place of belonging, identity, and rest. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1, NKJV)

As I added the leaves, I was reminded of Revelation 22:2 (NKJV), where it says the leaves of the tree are “for the healing of the nations.” These leaves are a prophetic symbol of the healing and restoration that flows through our lives as we abide in Jesus — not just healing for ourselves, but for others through us.

The fruit forming along the branch represents our spiritual fruitfulness. As we remain connected to Him, we naturally bear the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of purpose, and the fruit of Kingdom impact. This isn’t something we force — it’s the overflow of abiding.
The colors — soft blues, greens, and creams — reflect the peace and stillness of Psalm 23: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” (v.2–3)

And finally, the cold wax and oil, with all its texture and layered depth, is a reminder that God is always working — even in the hidden places. He’s shaping us through every experience, weaving it all together for good. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God…” (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

My prayer is that Goodness and Mercy will speak to your spirit — reminding you that you are rooted, covered, fruitful, and deeply at home in the heart of God. His goodness and mercy aren’t just behind you… they’re all around you, always.

The finished piece, featuring a 22x48 custom niched panel surfaced with textured cold wax and oil and featuring an interior multi-media sculpture on a contorted filbert branch including kudzu and bark baskets, paperclay and encaustic wax.

If you're interested in commissioning one of my pieces, please don't hesitate to reach out via the contact form here on my website.