Since Linda Etherington graduated from BYU in 1991, her paintings have been exhibited in numerous local and international shows in places such as New York, California, Virginia, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and Mississippi. Her work is also in the permanent collection of Brigham Young University Museum of Art and the Springville Museum of Art.

In 2008, at the invitation of the Mormon Artists Group, she began a project of creating thirteen large-scale paintings to illustrate the book of Moses. The process of painting required two years and reflects Etherington’s point of view that this book of scripture is about extended family. Etherington creates a series of vibrant, colorful works that concentrate on the relationships of people, one to another, often in family groupings—the artist is a mother of seven daughters and brings her firsthand experience to highlight the beauty of domestic life.

The Book of Moses is the twenty-first project of the Mormon Artists Group, an organization based in New York City that creates limited edition books, music, collaborative projects, and visual artworks by members of the Church. The book is large and luxurious, measuring 14.5 by 11.25. It is printed on heavyweight BFK Rives mould-made paper with deckle edges. It is sewn and bound by hand and covered in white silk moire bookcloth. The book was designed by Cameron King.

The text used for the publication is the 1878 edition of the Book of Moses revised by Orson Pratt that placed the work in chronological order and reconciled the manuscript between various sources. This was the edition accepted by the Church as part of the standard works in 1880. It is the last edition before the book was divided into chapters and verses in 1902 by James E. Talmage. The design and format of the new publication enhance a reading of the Book of Moses as a single narrative—propulsive, exciting, and ultimately tragic. It is published in a limited edition of 100—signed and numbered by the artist. Mormon Artists Group issued a smaller, paperback edition of the book in full color which is available on Amazon.com and through the publisher. Additional information can be found at mormonartistsgroup.com.

Glen Nelson

BYU Studies Publications