ARTIST STATEMENT

Pope John Paul's Letter to Artists

In his “Letter to Artists,” St. John Paul II wrote, “In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God.”

My work includes painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and photography. I believe that revelations in art are supported by an inter-disciplinary practice. I find that my work in one discipline influences my work in another. It is my hope and prayer that faith in Christ will be strengthened by the viewer as well as the creator of my art.

The Apostle’s Creed, the definitive Christian statement of faith, has been the subject of Church art for more than 1,700 years. As a statement of faith, the Creed is Trinitarian, professing belief in Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and providing a succinct summary of the Gospel and principles for living a Christian life.

Among the articles of faith in the Creed are Jesus’ divinity; His incarnation; His suffering, death, resurrection and ascension; and our salvation — all of which have been the subject of some of the most famous works of art in history.

Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, DaVinci and Raphael are known worldwide and have influenced millions with their portrayal of Christian religious themes.

Michelangelo’s Pieta, a world-renowned sculpture of Mary holding Jesus in her arms after His suffering and death on the cross, and his famous Sistine Chapel fresco, The Last Judgment, are among his myriad creations representing important articles of Christian faith.

Among those works of art with, perhaps, the fullest image of the Creed is the Disputation of the Holy Sacrament, by Raphael. This fresco, located in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, depicts scenes from heaven and Earth, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Communion of Saints, the Church on Earth and the Holy Eucharist. A monstrance sits on the altar as the Doctors of the Church discuss transubstantiation.

Today there are numerous artists, continuing into modern times, who are helping to build the bridge between art and spirituality, increasing faith and devotion among those who are drawn to their work. The ultimate purpose that artists can achieve was reiterated by Pope John Paul II when he said,“In him, art becomes prayer.”