Reimagining Things Invisible: The Catholic Artists Directory rises to a 21st Century Challenge

Things unreal have never seemed quite so real as in our present time. 

The special effects of our movies and video games offer us worlds upon worlds that can occupy us, entertain us, and oftentimes distract us completely from the real world. Such experiences can often be pleasant and perhaps even harmless in moderation, but for our culture and society, so consumed by these images and the unreality they represent, they can become a poison that is constantly consumed. Perhaps these simulated realities are today's "opiate of the masses."

In stark contrast to this dithering and dizzying world of modern entertainment stands the mission of the Catholic Artist in our times. The Catholic Artist's task is to understand and imagine reality and create forms that reflect the beauty of that reality. As John Paul II said in his Letter to Artists: "Every genuine artistic intuition goes beyond what the senses perceive and, reaching beneath reality's surface, strives to interpret its hidden mystery."
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For many Catholic artists this involves trying to articulate and communicate some of the deepest realities of our Faith in tangible forms. Most of us will never physically see these realities in this life, but the work of the artist makes them visible, understandable, and imaginable to us. Thus, when an artist reverently and skillfully portrays the mystery of the Trinity, angels, Principalities and Powers, and the holiness of saints through analogy and symbol, crafting his medium and stretching his intellect to understand and portray these things, it would be wrong for us to dismiss them as "a pleasant fantasy" or to comfort ourselves like good Enlightenment thinkers saying "that isn't real." That would in fact be exactly and precisely upside-down. Rather we should be like Moses recognizing we are on holy ground - truly great Catholic art gives us a glimpse into the depths of reality that we so often blithely ignore. 

I am very honored and excited - humbled as well, when I consider the potential of the task - to be included in a merry band of Catholic artists seeking to portray the beauties of reality as I have just described. When I first saw the Catholic Artists' Directory I eagerly looked through at my fellow artists and was very encouraged by what I saw. I encourage you to uncover the treasures of art that are being produced today by some of the most skilled workmen and visionaries in the Catholic tradition. I encourage you to look through and get to know these very gifted artists working right now across the country and the world and to start dreaming some big dreams. Perhaps some of these men and women could bring beauty to your parish or your home. Now is the perfect time to reach out.