Most crosses share the same conventional layout – a short crossbeam combined with a long vertical. When looking at such a cross, I get the feeling its layout emphasize the distance between God and me – “ I am down here on earth while the Lord is high above in the heavens”. My faith tells me something different though.

Jesus describes God as a loving and caring father. He welcomes his children with arms wide open, longing for them – and in his embrace they find comfort and tenderness. These images deeply move me, as I am father myself. I have four sons of whom I am very proud of. Every time they need help I am there to hug and comfort them. Because as a loving father it is my foremost wish to let my children know how fond I am of them – and I genuinely believe God has the same kind of feelings for us.

I wanted to emphasize this aspect by altering the layout of the cross in my new works. The bright and friendly colors express his gentleness and affection. The wide crossbeam symbolizes the Lord’s widespread arms. The short vertical illustrates that God is not high above us but indeed right among his children, because only then it is possible for a loving embrace to take place.

Our Lord is a wonderful and loving God! He longs to be close to his children and his arms are wide open...