TheFruitOfTheSpirit Jean Pederson

Here we observe a still life composition centered around a bowl overflowing with fruit, presented within a distinctly structured and decorative frame. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, oranges, yellows, and browns – creating a sense of richness and abundance. A deep reddish-brown background provides contrast to the vibrant fruits and the ornate border.
The arrangement features a variety of produce: grapes, pears, apples, plums, strawberries, and what appears to be an orange or tangerine. The fruit is rendered with a degree of realism in terms of form and color, but also possesses a stylized quality that prevents it from appearing entirely naturalistic. They are densely packed within the bowl, suggesting generosity and plenitude. A single plum rests outside the bowl at the bottom, slightly separated from the main cluster, which might symbolize individual aspects or experiences arising from a shared source.
The bowl itself is of particular interest. Its white surface is decorated with blue floral motifs, adding an element of refinement to the composition. The placement of the bowl – slightly off-center and elevated – draws attention to its contents while also creating visual dynamism within the frame.
Below the fruit arrangement, a checkerboard pattern in black and white runs horizontally across the lower portion of the image. This geometric design introduces an element of order and structure that contrasts with the organic forms of the fruit above. The text THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is inscribed along this band, anchoring the visual elements to their conceptual meaning.
Above the bowl, a series of words – PATIENCE, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE – are arranged in a linear fashion. These terms suggest a moral or spiritual framework for understanding the abundance depicted. The vertical arrangement of these virtues alongside the fruit implies that they are products of something larger than themselves – perhaps a source of inner strength or divine influence.
The overall effect is one of deliberate symbolism and controlled aestheticism. The artist has constructed an image that aims to convey not just visual pleasure, but also a deeper message about virtue, abundance, and spiritual growth. The decorative border and the carefully chosen typography reinforce this sense of purpose and elevate the work beyond a simple depiction of fruit.