Beeswax, magnolia seed pod on wood, 2012 The title of this piece is derived from the passage in Isaiah, where he predicts that the Suffering Servant will offer Himself up as a sacrifice by willingly being afflicted in the stead of others.  He says, “I gave my back to the smiters” -Isaiah 50:6.  This artwork is reflective of the idea that growth comes from vicarious suffering in that the magnolia seed pod must suffer loss and die in order for a tree to be born.