TIMELESS LOVE

I was originally inspired to begin painting after walking into St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral in October of 2014.  Coming from Lutheran, Evangelical and Charismatic backgrounds, I looked upon the church iconostasis, and knew I was surrounded by the cloud of witnesses and encountered the ancient church.  That evening, I also had my first encounter with the Theotokos (Mother Mary).  I understood that she was my mother and was calling me into a deeper relationship with her son through iconography.  I will never forget looking at the “Lady of the Sign” icon over the alter, it pierced my soul and I felt welcomed into something much bigger – the Ark of the New Covenant! (Revelations 11:19)

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In spring of 2015, I began to paint icons under a local orthodox iconographer.  I have traveled to Russia, Rome and Western Europe to study and venerate icons.  I nearly converted to Eastern Othodoxy, but happily attended an Episcopal church with my wife from 2015 - 2021. 

 

 

I hold a very deep love for both the Eastern and Western churches.  During these Episcopal years, I was inspired to paint sacred art for the major feast days and write devotions to celebrate these days as a family.  I also was inspired to paint icons for my sons’ birthdays, baptisms, friends and churches.

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In early 2022, I encountered the Immaculate Heart of Mary through Mary's apparitions at Fatima, and the alleged apparitions at Medjugorje.  I knew without a doubt that this was the mother I encountered in 2014, and she was calling me deeper.  I understood that she is the mother of humanity. She is the second Eve calling us back to the second Adam. She is (small ‘c’) co-redemptrix.  This inspired my conversion to the Roman Catholic Church, to live in the Divine Will, and complete the 33 day consecrations to Jesus through Mary and Joseph.

 

 

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I have enrolled in the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel am currently a Marian Helper through the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception.  We are entrusted with spreading St. Faustina's message of Divine Mercy.

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Alongside spiritual adoption to the Holy Family, I have a devotion to these four saints (St. John the Apostle, St. Louis de Montfort, St. Faustina and St. Seraphim of Sarov).  Each of these saints had a rich relationship with Mary, a deep understanding of the Mercy of Jesus, and used their sufferings to grow closer to the crucified Christ.  My life's hope is to emulate them in holiness and eucharistic devotion.  Iconography and family devotions are gifts God wants me to use.

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As a Western Catholic, my icons are not considered authentically orthodox, but catholic in nature. I try to hold to technique as I learn from my orthodox teacher.  It is important to note that the Orthodox Church holds the cannon and dogmas on iconography, and I cannot speak for the Church. Some of the work I've done are more true to orthodox tradition, while other work is what I would call catholic sacred art.   This work incorporate western themes and character (i.e. Western styles of Mary, Lourdes, Fatima, Western Saints, Holy Family). I have differentiated this work in the gallery.  My hope is that my art and devotions can glorify God through his Universal Church on Earth! 

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In the end, the Immaculate Heart of Mary will Triumph!

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