Art

A Contemporary Mosaic of St Dominic in Chichester Cathedral

Here are some photos of recently mosaic of St Dominic, completed just a year ago. It was commissioned by the Anglican Bishop of Chichester, Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner. It was done by artist Jim Blackstone in a three month residency at the cathedral. During the residency, James worked alongside fellow liturgical artist Martin Earle within a custom-built studio. The project was developed with celebrated liturgical artist Aidan Hart.

Aidan, Martin and Jim who are Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican respectively have recently established a new studio and liturgical art school -The Chichester Workshop for Liturgical Arts- under the patronage of Bishop Warner. 

Saint Richard (Bishop of Chichester, 1244–1253) was prepared for the priesthood by the Dominican Order in Orléans and St Dominic’s apostolic spirituality informed his ministry across the Diocese of Chichester.Read more about the commission on the Cathedral website here. 

An Artistic Feeding of the Five Thousand: The New Chichester Workshop for Liturgical Art

An Artistic Feeding of the Five Thousand: The New Chichester Workshop for Liturgical Art

The experience of Aidan Hart, Martin Earle and Jim Blackstone and their apprentices is that a community of Christian artists working together harmoniously, produces more beautiful work, in less time and at lower cost than the stereotypical Bohemian loner in his artist’s garret.

A 14th-Century Italo-Byzantine St Francis of Assisi And His Habit at the National Gallery, London

A 14th-Century Italo-Byzantine St Francis of Assisi And His Habit at the National Gallery, London

The iconographic stylization persisted in Italy in some regions due in part to the fact the some parts of Italy remained under Byzantine rule until as late as the 11th century and the painting style continued, passed down by tradition.

Four More Images of St Francis From the National Gallery London: Three Good and One Bad!

Four More Images of St Francis From the National Gallery London: Three Good and One Bad!

Baroque artists painted so that the pictures pops into focus when viewed from the distance of approximately 3 times the distance of the widest dimension. So this one is meant to be viewed from approximately 30 feet away. At this distance the viewer can see the whole painting without having to scan the eyes over different parts of the painting.

Beautiful Sacred Art at SS Gregory and Augustine Parish Church in Oxford, England

Beautiful Sacred Art at SS Gregory and Augustine Parish Church in Oxford, England

What a small parish can achieve with good taste and the will to have a beautiful church, even with limited means. The art in the reredos is a variety of styles that blend. If I were to characterize them, I would say 17th-century style baroque, and Italian and Flemish style 15th century Renaissance style.

St Francis of Assisi: Illuminations by Matthew Paris

St Francis of Assisi: Illuminations by Matthew Paris

I wonder at the control that the 13th century artist had when working on such a small scale. He must have had exceptional eyesight to work without the aid of optical devices and modern lighting systems. I speak as one who at 61 years old, would struggle to match it with something twice the size even with the best reading and magnifying glasses and electric spot lamps!

Is This An Image of Inclusion or Exclusion?

Is This An Image of Inclusion or Exclusion?

For the woke Marxist, such a painting would be intended to communicate to all people who see it, regardless of race, that Christ was not white. The goal is not to propogate the Faith, but to pit all minorities against people of European descent and cause conflict.