The Church and the Artist: Trent

"Moreover, in the invocation of saints, the veneration of relics, and the sacred use of images, every superstition shall be removed, all filthy lucre be abolished; finally, all lasciviousness be avoided; in such wise that figures shall not be painted or adorned with a beauty exciting to lust; nor the celebration of the saints, and the visitation of relics be by any perverted into revellings and drunkenness; as if festivals are celebrated to the honour of the saints by luxury and wantonness.

In fine, let so great care and diligence be used herein by bishops, as that there be nothing seen that is disorderly, or that is unbecomingly or confusedly arranged, nothing that is profane, nothing indecorous, seeing that holiness becometh the house of God.

And that these things may be the more faithfully observed, the holy Synod ordains, that no one be allowed to place, or cause to be placed, any unusual image, in any place, or church, howsoever exempted, except that image have been approved of by the bishop:"

Council of Trent

On the Invocation, Veneration, and Relics, of Saints, and on Sacred Images.

Interview with H. Reed Armstrong

Daniel Mitsui over at The Lion & the Cardinal has taken up the task of interviewing Catholic Artists. His latest is with sculptor H. Reed Armstrong.

"The church, as expressed in the documents of Vatican II, and even before by Pope Pius XII, favors no particular style. None of these historical styles can be promoted as more Catholic than others as all were produced according to historical circumstances, but maintained a core Catholic identity.
The contemporary artist must assimilate and discern this core identity to produce a viable Catholic art for the 21st century drawing on whichever of these historical styles informs his creative output"

Interview with Daniel Mitsui

Daniel Mitsui is an artisan and illustrator dedicated to crafting exqusite works of beauty. But like many artists this is an inadequate description of the many expressions of his artistic gifts. Daniel has recently made the move to work at this craft full-time in order to develop long gestating projects. Understandably this has made him very busy but he was kind enough to take amoment to answer our questions.

Click to read more ...

Interview with Ben Hatke

Ben Hatke is another name in growing list of Ridiculously Talented Artists. His accomplishments in comics, book illustration, writing, and fine art (in the classical tradition) show a talent that is hard at work reflecting the splendor of the human imagination and making us smile in the process. Ben took some time out of his busy schedule as husband, father, and artist to answer a few questions.

Click to read more ...