Identity of Faith
Buddha in the Beehive (2000)
61″x 30″x 30″
About the art and artist!
Frank McEntire’s sculptures combine expressive and symbolic objects from various cultures. He is particularly drawn to religious objects. This interest in various types of spiritual instruments has led him to create thought-provoking groupings that gain meaning through ties to deep religious symbols. McEntire’s involvement with numerous forms of spirituality has had a deep impact on his work as an artist. Buddha and the Beehivewas created to expand the discussion of diversity in the state of Utah.
Buddha means “Enlightened One”. The teachings of Buddha are encompassed in a religion called Buddhism.
Symbols are things that are used to represent something else. Each person will interpret symbols differently depending on their own interests or life experiences.
Diversity means that there are many different types of things, ideas and people.
What are symbols of your beliefs? Make a list of items that you think are symbols, make sure to include the meaning of why they are symbolic. Using clay or playdough create a sculpture of an item on your list. You can combine two or more items together to connect different ideas.
Leonard Freed (American, 1926–2006)
An Arab Home in the Old City, Jerusalem, Israel, 1967
gelatin silver print (photograph)
Can you think of any other religions where modesty is important? Why do you think that is?
About the art! Leonard Freed was an American photojournalist (someone who takes photographs to tell stories). This photograph is part of a series taken during the Arab-Israeli “six-day war.” Israel won the war and took control of Jerusalem. Click here for more photographs by Leonard Freed.
Extension: What is something that is important to you? How do you express that in your own life?