The Queen of the Land of Ishmael

Honorable Mention in the 2020 Book of Mormon Central Art Contest.

 

Women in the Book of Mormon are hard to come by. The Mexican black kingsnake graces her hand, a symbol of her royal authority. Even though we don't have her name, we have witness of her character in Alma 19:9-10. A faithful queen of scripture surely deserves a portrait painted. 

 

Katie Payne is a digital painter who makes work all about color and fantastical imagery. Her work can be found in a wide variety of media, including children's books, product designs, book covers, magazines, board games, and apps. She has recently published three children’s books titled “The Wizard’s Workshop”, “Guess Who’s in the Book of Mormon”, and “Guess Who’s in the Latter-Day Prophet”, and is currently in production as the lead artist for The Game Agency. Her work has been recognized in annual competition publications like Spectrum. She studied at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and Design in Washington DC for two years before finally transferring to Brigham Young University and obtaining her BFA in illustration. After living in New York City for four years, she now resides in SLC, Utah with her husband Andrew Payne.