Artist: Chris M. Shimamoto
"I've dabbled a little in oil paints in the 80's (Bob Ross days), but never took art serious "
My name is Chris M. Shimamoto, born in 1960 and raised on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu. Graduate of McKinley High school, class of 1978. Been a husband, to my beautiful, loving wife Sherri since 1999, father of five wonderful daughters and Papa to five beautiful grand daughters.
I was 38 when I first meet Sherri and have not left her side since. Soon after we became a couple, she being of Christian faith invited me to join her for Sunday service. After the initial shock of being in church for the first time in my life, I soon accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour and was baptised a couple of years later. Like many new Christians, I was hungry to build my faith and love for our Lord. Burying myself deep in the Bible and trying to follow in Jesus footsteps. My family and I served and volunteered in many ministries, outreach programs and events for years to come.Thus was the start of my walk with the Lord and how my unique ministry in art began.
"I am far from perfect and like everyone else, my life has many ups and downs. But I am a strong believer in in God and my faith in Him is true." "My life has been blessed in so many ways since acknowledging Christ as my Lord and Savior, but nothing could have prepared me as to what He's done since I've decided to honor Him through art."
Somewhere around 2002, what I drew with a pencil and a small piece of paper has me doing what I've done till this very day. I have no background or teachings in art, but I honor God in all His glory through artwork. Nothing is pre-drawn or planned. What He lets me envision, I placed on canvas. Whom He places in my heart, is who I would create pieces specifically for (Even a few complete strangers). I create landscapes of sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, and mountains. Each piece is finished with the empty cross (signifying the resurrection of Jesus) and the letters IJN (In Jesus Name). I have no explanation on how I came up with a medium of colored chalk and oils. Nor can I explain the many reactions I've witnessed throughout the years of gifting artwork to others. Various emotions and heartfelt responses, couple with a few cards and text messages, has completely humbled me and filled my heart with much humility.It was as if the Lord spoke without a single sound or gesture through the pieces. Words alone cannot describe what I have experienced, nor can I fathom the fact that on a few occasions....tears have fallen.
"I've gifted others for more than 20 years, and if the good Lord places someone in my heart again, I will do as I've always done."
"Jesus was the most selfless person to walk on Earth, shouldn't we all be a little more like him?"
"I thank thee oh God for letting me steward this unique ability." "May I always use it to honor you"
IJN AMEN