“I paint from life, subject matter is limited, and I must find depth and dignity within the things around me, the humble and the common. A tree is something so simple, but it is also a mystery, like all life. When a single leaf dies, something has died more intricate than anything humanity has created. It’s quiet passing reminds us that all things will pass, that all things must return to their creator, that we too are dust…. painting itself by longing for perfection, longs for God. It seems that it is from this very longing that creation draws its dignity. It is with this joyful hope that the sun rises, and the birds sing, and when dawn finally spreads over the hills my shift is over.”
– From an artist statement at Davidson College, 2020
Just published today is this interview from the Catholic Review about the continuing influence of Isaac, one year later. https://catholicreview.org/radio-interview-after-d…
Awaiting the Joyful Light. 18”x24” [oil on canvas] 2020
Read previous offerings
The permanence of God’s beauty
Journal entries written on hearts
“If you give me anything, let me love Jesus.”
“I am your servant” — painting the Baptism of Christ
Help me to withhold nothing (“Teach me to be a great saint”)
Ready to receive you (an Advent prayer)
“An intense desire.” A longing to depart from this fallen world.
“Why are you afraid?” Isaac’s final journal entry
“Moved to tears: the meaning behind Isaac’s gravestone”
“The reward of distracted prayer” (November 27th)
“The end of all beauties” (November 21s
“Memento mori” (November 18th)
“Root out my sin” (November 15th)
“Let me suffer” (November 12th)
Why the title? About the Offerings of Isaac