The design of this piece began with a study of the Hebrew Names of God. Back in 2004, I purposed to memorize the names and their meanings. I identified the names and made a list. Then I researched each name and tried to understand the scripture and story related to it. During this time of study, the Lord opened my eyes to a truth. I noticed that each time a name was introduced, it meant one of two things. It either was used to illustrate the character of God, or it was used to mark a time when God intervened or interacted with man to deliver him through a situation.

Further study and reflection on these names led to the inspiration for this piece called "Ancient Names". The cross is like a timeline. The first two layers of the cross are made up of the Hebrew Names of God. They represent the old testament period, before the time of Jesus. They represent times along the road of history when God showed up and interacted with man. In a sense, it was the foreshadow of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the former one to come.

Finally then, at the third level of the timeline, Jesus is placed. As if to say, before the Messiah was given, you knew me by my Name. Now, I give you my Son. It is through Him that you can fully know me. Jesus is thus the center of the cross, the intersection, the cross roads, the way to the Father.