Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the
flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for
me.”

Gib Singleton‘s genius as a sculptor can best be understood
by appreciating the assorted crucifixion sculptures that he has created. The
‘Bowed Cross’ variations are unique to the way Singleton has depicted the cross
of Christ. The artist is not trying to illustrate a historically accurate cross
used by the Romans of the first century; it was be much different and kind of
mechanical in nature with a craftsman’s feel to it.

Singleton calls this “organic.” It is organic in that it is
basic and fundamental, but it is much more. The cross is relating to something
living, that is the true meaning of organic. This has Biblical reference and
theological implications in relating to both the “Tree of Life” and the “Tree
of Knowledge of Good and Evil.” The cross looks like two trees that have been
lashed together, very basic and fundamental. The cross’ vertical tree limb is
curved or bowed, making it highly distinct from other religious art produced in
the history of Western art. It almost looks like an archer’s bow with Christ
being the arrow; the potent weapon to slay death and sin. Jesus is sullen and
common, the ‘everyday man’, who could be an race or background. Singleton wants
every person to relate to the Christ, He is everyone’s Savior, no matter your
background. Study the face of Christ in these sculptures and examine the
features. Does Singleton’s Jesus look Hispanic? Yes. Could He be
African-American? Yes. White? Yes. He could be any background. He could be my
gardener or my doctor, my mechanic or my lawyer, the richest of the rich or the
poorest of the poor. He is the Son of Man.

The “Bowed Cross” sculptures are all about sacrifice.
Singleton has stated that the look of Christ is resolute as He drops His head
downwards like a lamb being slaughtered. Singleton has declared that this Jesus
is simply saying, “I know what I’m doing and I’m doing this for you. That’s
it.” Christ is a true Lamb of God in these depictions, a willing and effectual
sacrifice for sin. The bow of the cross is like a bridge of reconciliation,
between God and man. Man was isolated from God through sin, and that seemingly
endless gap of isolation has been bridged through the cross of Christ.