People are hearing that Kathy is in remission with PMR so I have been busy working! Fr Osman says, 'How are you feeling?" I said not bad, almost back to normal. HA!!!! He has been saving restoration work for me for three years waiting for me to get better. For those of you that don't know, I am a Master Artist, Master Photographer, Master Electronic Imaging, Restoration specialist. And then the Monastery says, "We have an oil painting that is damaged, can you fix it?" . . .so I thought I would share some of my jobs. In addition to the restoration work, they are adding an Adoration and Prayer Chapel at my church. So I am the 'artist in residence' so to speak . . .working on that, too. Restoring the old brass tabernacle, making the altar embellishments, putting together a relic display, restoring the Holy Water Font . . .well, you get the picture. Not easy doing all this and I'm 76 now!!! The first statue is of St. Gaspar, who founded the Order of the Precious Blood. The Monastery is now a retirement home and infirmary for Priests. Due to lack of vocations, it was closed and converted. It has two beautiful chapels inside and is huge. Located in Celina, Ohio. Poor St. Gaspar was in pieces, and old plaster (chalk) statue.
This one is an oil painting, 30"x40" by Father Paulinus Trost. It is over 100 years old. Fr Trost studied 'high renaissance painting" in Austria. He created many paintings in the areas of Celina and Maria Stein, Ohio. He painted ceilings and large frescoes in many of the churches in the area. Unfortunately, during Vatican II many of them were removed and painted over to give a more modern look. This one, the Madonna and Child resides in the old Monastery in Celina, Ohio. When they had the painters come to repaint the walls, they took the paintings down and 'stacked' them against each other. This one was damaged with tears in the neck and holes in the background. It was several months of glazing with light coats of oil paint after patching the holes in the back. The original was done on linen and not traditional canvas. It is breathtaking.
Another statue, full size about 6 ft tall of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in St. Joseph's Church in LaGrange, Indiana. The arms were separating for the body. Another old plaster statue. Also, many gouges and scrapes on it.
A statue of St. Joseph with infant, over 100 years old. Full size . . .poor Baby Jesus has a severely damaged foot. St. Joseph's hand is disintegrating, and the cross on top of the globe is missing.
Another small statue of a missing hand on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Made of modern resin material. Clay would not work, so had to make it from polymer clay, then paint to match the skin tones. The owner was going to throw it away! I said, you never throw away a holy statue. If it is so damaged that it is not worth saving you bury it . . .
Our Blessed Mother with infant Jesus . . .full size, more damage to the baby's foot. Holes and nicks all over the statues and on the crown. They asked me to make a scepter, it is not quite finished yet. I have never made a scepter before!!! But am working on it. Should be complete this week . . .
What a blessing you are, Katfalls! And what a fine way to spend your days, restoring holy statues to their proper beauty and dignity! Thank you for sharing these with us. They are stunning!
I am overwhelmed. What a mission you have been given and what a gift God has given you to do it. Thank you for sharing. I just finished watching a film of St Francis and looking at these beautiful restorations I think of Our Lord's words to him: "you see My Church is in ruins. Go and rebuild it." You are doing that i think-- one beautiful statue at a time.
Wow, Katfalls, these are all so beautiful! You have been graced with such talent and you bless us by sharing these! I must say for me, this close up of St. Josephs hands is very moving as they look so lifelike. I close my eyes and can imagine him, using them in his carpenters shop but more so holding the hand of his Son. Thank you. PS- keeping you in prayer that the PMR stay in check
Katfalls, I am so glad you shared these on the forum. They are a beautiful reflection of your love and talent.
Your work and your words are exactly what is needed in today's world. I 'm glad to see you back. The artwork is amazing, so beautiful.
This could very quickly become my favourite thread. What an amazing talent and gift. Thank you for sharing and keep it coming. What a blessing.
Wow. So beautiful. My daughter who is a potter has restored some old chalk statues that people were going to get rid of. Your work is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Awww His poor feets - He's so adorable!! I should remember to cuddle with Baby Jesus more, it brings me comfort in these times. St Ant was so blessed to have played with the Child Jesus! I think now is such an important time to ask God to protect our hearts from the blows of the enemy which is non-stop.
