Michael Hansen

Hand drawn maps depicting life and historical events in Israel

Michael A. Hansen is an artist from Galilee. Although he was born in the United States, northern Israel has been Michael’s home since he was 18 years old. For nearly 50 years Michael has had the blessing of living in the land where the Savior lived, walked, taught and performed miracles. He has walked from Dan to Beersheba, shivered in the snow on the heights of Mount Hermon, and bathed in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. He baptized two of his children in the Sea of Galilee, and two in the Jordan River. With his wife and children, Michael hiked the hills and valleys while exploring the ruins of towns and cities mentioned in the Old and New Testaments.

On his parents’ farm at the northern end of the Jordan River, he got to plow, plant and harvest the fields of the Galilee. Michael also got to work in his father’s vineyard and in the village orchards: pruning, grafting, weeding, irrigating and clearing rocks from the fields. The parables of the New Testament and the metaphors in the Old Testament have real life meaning for him, especially those relating to stony ground! His family also raised chickens – 5,000 at a time – so the phrase “as a hen gathers her chicks” is also significant.

Michael studied drafting and engineering. One of the recurring themes in his drawings are the numerous arches of antique buildings in the Holy Land which have survived centuries of earthquakes because of the keystone. His work in metal foundries has given him a greater understanding of biblical references to fiery furnaces, molten metals, trial by fire. His personal and formal study of the archaeology, religions, history, geography, flora and fauna of this land has enriched Michael’s love and understanding of his chosen home. Having lived by the Sea of Galilee for 23 years, Michael has seen and experienced the furious waves which can come up on the Sea of Galilee, as well as the beautiful calm which follows. He has experienced drought, flooding and fire.

Michael was privileged to glean knowledge firsthand from Mendel Nun, the acknowledged expert on the history of fishing in the Sea of Galilee, about fishing practices, nets and techniques which were used by Peter and Andrew. The ancient “Jesus” boat on display at the Kibbutz Ginnosar museum was discovered by his children’s art and hiking teachers. While Michael was working in a foundry, his boss was a metallurgist who consulted archaeologists all over the Mediterranean area.

If you ask Michael where he is from, he will tell you “I am from Galilee.” His love for this land shows in everything he draws. Every map displayed in his SHOP is hand drawn to order, on high quality art poster paper (40 in x 32 in). It is also possible to contact the artist and commission a personalized new design.