Why Christian Imagery

The role of art, is a catalyst for societal change enabling humanity to celebrate life in unison. 

A Renaissance of Sacred Art

 
The call for a renewed movement in sacred art arises from a deep desire to reconnect humanity with timeless spiritual truths. At the heart of this renaissance is the understanding that art serves as a pathway to God through His only Son, Jesus Christ. This pathway, long celebrated and depicted during the Renaissance, invites contemporary audiences to rediscover the divine through visual expression that both honors tradition and speaks to the present moment.

Renaissance artists balanced religious devotion with artistic expression using traditional iconic imagery. These images were not merely decorative; they were visual sermons, carefully crafted to communicate spiritual truths and serve as a map for the Church. This vocation was esteemed not only as an artistic pursuit but as a form of priesthood—where artists acted as mediators between the divine and the faithful, channeling sacred narratives into forms that inspired both reverence and understanding. Supported by the Faithful and patrons alike, these artists flourished, and their work profoundly shaped the religious and cultural experience of their time.

In reviving this sacred tradition today, it is essential to bridge the gap between past and present. In my work I seek to achieve this through a style of abstracted realism, where elements of abstraction blend with stylized realism to create a meaningful dialogue between classical inspiration and modern technique. This approach respects the old-world iconic style of religious paintings—characterized by symbolic imagery, spiritual solemnity, and reverent composition—while offering a fresh perspective capable of engaging contemporary viewers.

The intended audience for this new Renaissance of spiritual art is universal. Unlike historical audiences, whose worldview was often deeply intertwined with the Church, today’s viewers come from diverse backgrounds and may not share the same assumptions. Therefore, the art must communicate beyond traditional confines, inviting reflection and spiritual openness for everyone. Institutions, communities, and patrons play a crucial role in this process, not merely through financial support but by providing spaces for the use and display of these paintings, thereby fostering an environment where spiritual art can flourish again.

Challenges to this endeavor are significant. The modern world often embraces ideologies that run contrary to the natural moral order, resulting in cultural confusion and fragmentation. This inversion of natural laws threatens to obscure spiritual truths and diminish the influence of sacred art. Addressing these challenges requires courage and conviction, relying on the timeless power of sacred imagery to restore order, inspire hope, and call the faithful back to a life grounded in divine harmony.

Ultimately, this renaissance seeks to rekindle the sacred vocation of the spiritual artist as one of the highest forms of priesthood. By painting a pathway to God through Jesus Christ, I have embarked on a profound tradition that has enriched human culture for centuries. Through abstracted realism intertwined with iconic tradition, sacred art can once again flourish, guiding humanity towards spiritual renewal and a deeper communion with the divine in our time.