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Artwork by Justyn Simon – 11/27/25

Working With Purpose — A Visual Reflection on Jacob Chapter 5

This piece, “Jacob 5: Labor in the Lord’s Vineyard,” is inspired by one of the most meaningful allegories in the Book of Mormon. Jacob 5 uses the imagery of a master and his servant tending an olive vineyard—pruning, digging, nourishing, and laboring with patience—to teach about the Lord’s long-suffering, His efforts to reclaim His people, and the sacred work of nurturing spiritual growth.

In this artwork, I wanted to visually express that same spirit of care and devotion. The elderly laborer—steady hands, aged posture, but unwavering focus—represents a servant who knows the vineyard well. He works not out of duty alone, but out of love and hope for what the vineyard can become.

Symbolism in the Scene

The orchard background, vibrant greens, and freshly pruned trees are all intentional. They represent:

• Growth that follows effort

• Renewal that comes from pruning and refinement

• The Lord’s invitations to come, cultivate, and strengthen

The single figure with the axe embodies the ongoing, personal work each of us is invited to engage in: to nourish, remove, refine, and prepare—both spiritually and in our daily lives.

Artistic Process

This piece was created using a combination of traditional and hybrid media:

• Watercolor pens

• Ink pencil

• Fine-line pens

• Light acrylic accents

I focused on warm earth tones for the ground and trees, contrasted with deep blues and greys in the man’s clothing. This helps pull the viewer’s eye toward the figure performing the symbolic labor.

The sketch-like outlines give the illustration a scripture-storybook style—familiar, approachable, and rooted in tradition.

Why This Piece Matters to Me

Jacob 5 has always stood out to me as a chapter centered on hope, patience, and divine love. The Lord of the vineyard never stops caring, never stops returning, and never stops laboring to bring forth good fruit.

This artwork became a way for me to meditate on that message. In many ways, we each hold a spiritual “axe”—tools for growth, improvement, and meaningful change. Sometimes that work is tiring, but it is always worthwhile.