Mormon Reactions to Images of the Restoration

[_John Larsen]

The images might be more accurate, but it seems like they were designed, in a few cases, to tweak or offend Mormons. What is your goal in creating these images? There has been a claim of more historical accuracy, but I know of no source that claims that Joseph had a stemmed wine glass. To me that puts out an image of fiddling away while Rome burned and partying while in prison. It seems that factual descriptions of the event show a great deal of fear and apprehension on the part of the inmates.

[_Mister Scratch]

The images might be more accurate, but it seems like they were designed, in a few cases, to tweak or offend Mormons. What is your goal in creating these images? There has been a claim of more historical accuracy, but I know of no source that claims that Joseph had a stemmed wine glass. To me that puts out an image of fiddling away while Rome burned and partying while in prison. It seems that factual descriptions of the event show a great deal of fear and apprehension on the part of the inmates.

But why should the mere presence of a stemmed glass be "offensive"? Would the image be less offensive if it were a highball glass? Or a coffee mug? Further, should the inmates have been portrayed with more worried expressions? I don't know, John. I guess I am kind of left wondering if it as possible to do *ANY* kind of realistic portrayal without offending TBMs.

[_Sethbag]

The images might be more accurate, but it seems like they were designed, in a few cases, to tweak or offend Mormons. What is your goal in creating these images? There has been a claim of more historical accuracy, but I know of no source that claims that Joseph had a stemmed wine glass. To me that puts out an image of fiddling away while Rome burned and partying while in prison. It seems that factual descriptions of the event show a great deal of fear and apprehension on the part of the inmates.

Do you suppose it would tweak Mormon sensibilities somewhat less if he were drinking straight from a bottle of wine in a brown paper bag instead?

[_Trinity]

I noticed in the same drinking picture that you clearly are showing Joseph's chest devoid of his garments. All three of those men (Hyrum, Joseph and John Taylor) had removed their garments. That might be an interesting tidbit to add to the picture description.

[_John Larsen]

The images might be more accurate, but it seems like they were designed, in a few cases, to tweak or offend Mormons. What is your goal in creating these images? There has been a claim of more historical accuracy, but I know of no source that claims that Joseph had a stemmed wine glass. To me that puts out an image of fiddling away while Rome burned and partying while in prison. It seems that factual descriptions of the event show a great deal of fear and apprehension on the part of the inmates.

But why should the mere presence of a stemmed glass be "offensive"? Would the image be less offensive if it were a highball glass? Or a coffee mug? Further, should the inmates have been portrayed with more worried expressions? I don't know, John. I guess I am kind of left wondering if it as possible to do *ANY* kind of realistic portrayal without offending TBMs.

I agree that a large number will be offended by any realistic portrayal. But going out of ones way to put in things, knowing they will offend seems to be itching for a fight.

I go back to my first question, what is the intent? What is the author/artist trying to accomplish? Is it accurate portrayal or just to piss people off?

There is a fact that we are all painfully aware of, if you want to reach Mormons, you have to go WAY out of your way to be extra sensitive and put on the kid gloves. I am all for helping inquiring Mormons learn their history, but some of these may be off putting.

However, on the whole, I like them.

[_Sethbag]

They're really only offputting because they show Joseph or other church topics doing things that churchmembers would find shocking. The notion of Joseph cuddling up to a woman other than Emma will be inherently shocking to some members, because they never knew he did that. The notion of Joseph smoking a cigar, or drinking wine, or whatever, would be similarly shocking to some, or even many. Nevertheless the depiction of such scenes would be realistic, and if a member is shocked or put off by that, that's a good thing, because it's also the reality of the founding story of their church, and they need to know this.

[_Some Schmo]

I go back to my first question, what is the intent? What is the author/artist trying to accomplish? Is it accurate portrayal or just to piss people off?

It seems to me you're missing a third, most obvious reason.

Art is about self expression, and I imagine an artist who grew up inculcated with the Mormon historical art and literature would have an innate interest in coming up with more accurate art once s/he was made aware of the truth, especially since it doesn't currently exist.

[_Blixa]

I go back to my first question, what is the intent? What is the author/artist trying to accomplish? Is it accurate portrayal or just to piss people off?

It seems to me you're missing a third, most obvious reason.

Art is about self expression, and I imagine an artist who grew up inculcated with the Mormon historical art and literature would have an innate interest in coming up with more accurate art once s/he was made aware of the truth, especially since it doesn't currently exist.

I pretty much agree with Schmo here.

[_Mister Scratch]

I go back to my first question, what is the intent? What is the author/artist trying to accomplish? Is it accurate portrayal or just to piss people off?

It seems to me you're missing a third, most obvious reason.

Art is about self expression, and I imagine an artist who grew up inculcated with the Mormon historical art and literature would have an innate interest in coming up with more accurate art once s/he was made aware of the truth, especially since it doesn't currently exist.

I pretty much agree with Schmo here.

Yeah. The LDS Church has had ample opportunities to produce its own art. There are hundreds of examples of it. The fact of the matter is that, given the choice, Church artists have opted to gloss over and "Disney-fy" Mormon history. I don't really think that the blame, in terms of "offense", can be placed on the artists who are providing historically accurate representations.

[_Juggler Vain]

Thank you everybody for your generous comments. I don't mind criticism either. If it gets us closer to reality, then let's discuss it.

-JV