The nature of the Christian artist is to sacrifice, to become a brush in the hand of God, and to allow Him to direct us in our work.
Institute of Catholic Culture Presents an Online Tour and Talk on Michelangelo's Pieta
The Pope, The Ceiling, and Thinking Small
The Theology of Taking Your Clothes Off in Class and Painting Naked People
Contrary to what many people think, and in accordance with Christian tradition, John Paul II was conservative in his approach to the portrayal of the nude in art. He told us that it is only appropriate to portray man naked when shining the with the uncreated light of Christ. In short if we can't show man clothed in glory, show him clothed...in clothes!
The Life's Work of the Artist is to Create Beauty
Many artists, especially those basing their work on traditional forms, are familiar with the "cult of the new." There seems to be an idea, within the rarified world of fine art, that "new" is better than "good," or "beautiful." This has led to some of the more extreme examples of modern art that sell for staggering sums and leave people shaking their heads over what is perceived as "art."
But outside of this "art bubble" there are artists who respect the traditions of the past and build on them, taking those ancient forms and breathing new life into them for a new generation. These are artists who recognize that their role is to pursue beauty and show it to the world, even if the world around them no longer understands the power of the beautiful.
