About "Solace in The World", the artist wrote: "With more identical malls, shopping centers and fast food restaurants springing up everyday, I continue to be fascinated by all-night diners and pool halls and boxcars - all those seedy, colorful, romantic havens of the great American hobo who is becoming extinct, if he still truly exists at all.  But Jesus was always drawn to the humblest people, and if He were to return now, perhaps these would be the places, rather than skyscrapers or great cathedrals, where He would go to find 12 apostles.  That was the idea behind 'Solace in The World,' a pencil drawing I did over the course of two weeks in September 1999.  (The 'In The World' part of the title comes from an old Leadbelly song.)  The other theme running through the drawing , evidenced by the two men whose eyes are looking down and whose thoughts are focused on their own worldly interests, is this: How many people these days have their eyes turned to the heavens?   If Jesus returned today, would the majority of the people recognize Him or care?   It's a question I ask myself as well."

Solace in the World
Pencil
37" x 23"
Not for sale

Aaron Gray, 27, is a newspaper copy editor living and working in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Originally from Massillon, Ohio, Mr. Gray studied journalism and art at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, graduating in 1996.  "Solace in The World" is one of several large pencil drawings completed during a six-month span in 1999 when he left a full-time journalism job to pursue his artistic interests.  These artworks are to be included in a planned exhibition.  His present projects include a daily comic strip, currently being submitted to features syndicates, and a children's book.