Beyond Words: A Treasury of Paintings and Devotional Writings

Ron DiCianni's work is probably the most well known in the world of contemporary Christian art. Among other projects, he creates the somewhat ominous covers for Frank Peretti's books of spiritual warfare. But this collection of his work shows a different side of DiCianni's Christianity, revealing his sturdy faith and sincere humility. The very first painting in the book, In the Beginning, shows the powerful hand of God lifting a helpless Adam from the mud in the beauty of a primeval universe.

Each painting is accompanied by DiCianni's thoughts on how God works in our daily lives, painter's notes that elucidate the connection between the painting and the heavenly force that inspired them, quotes from well-known religious figures, and space for the reader to share his or her own "thoughts from the heart." DiCianni's biblical figures, such as Elizabeth, Mary, and Simeon, hold a muscular energy as modern as that of his contemporary figures, and he often includes people in both ancient and contemporary clothing in his allegorical paintings, such as the striking image of Christ washing the feet of a prosperous-looking businessman in a leather chair. Each of the 20 paintings is more stunningly thought-provoking than the last. For the Christian who loves inspirational art, this is a very moving collection, indeed.