The Ordination

by Godfrey J. Ellis – 9×9 Vermiculite sculpture, 1966 or 1967

This is the earliest piece of art that I still have. It was made in high school, likely in 1966. It was made of vermiculite that was poured into a mold and then carved. It was meant to be Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receiving the Aaronic Priesthood at the hands of John the Baptist. The art teacher didn’t know that. It was published in the annual High School yearbook under the title, “Brotherhood.” It’s not a landscape or a portrait but I didn’t know where else to put it.