Matthew 7

Shih Yaw (黄士耀）

Sawdust & Plank! 

Acrylic on Canvas 

3 x 4 ft.

Scripture reference: Matthew 7: 1-5

I occasionally ponder if I could draw on themes which are less of my own life experiences; or possibly to solely paint about the bible scriptures? “Sawdust & Plank!” is one such painting. 

The entire process of painting this was smooth, and without any struggle. The composition consists of a huge, long plank to compare with the tiny speck, and several eyes of varying sizes, finishing off with a piece of dirty rag hanging below the sheep. (This scripture passage teaches us not to judge others - “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”)

P.S. Sharing from my own experience, I have observed over these few years that - when someone judges you or criticises that you are selfish, he could actually be unconsciously revealing his own selfishness; Or when someone accuses you as proud, the problem may not lie with you, but with that person who is reflecting his or her arrogance through you. This is because one’s human (fallen) nature would not easily reveal to others one’s shortcomings directly, but indirectly.