What Happened To Our Catholic Artists?

HEN I CONSIDER Catholic artwork from the Middle Ages—like this fantastic page from Trinity Sunday—I can’t help but wonder where our Catholic artists have gone. When I observe altars like this, I question why we cannot create more beautiful altars.

Allow me to introduce Christine O’Brien, who attends a very special Catholic Church along with her husband, Tim, and their four children. Christine is a graphic artist who provides custom clipart for teachers. (School teachers are always in need of fine clipart.)

I was born in the 1980s, but from what I can tell, the trend for ugly artwork—or artwork avoiding reference to Christ, saints, and so on—started with stuff like this in WLP’s Peoples Hymnal. Then “progressive” organizations continued this trend; for instance, here’s a bizarre image from the 1990 Collegeville hymnal. Such pictures stand in stark contrast to, for example, artwork like this, in the Campion Hymnal.

When I asked Christine if she could create liturgical artwork, she sent me this:

If your church needs custom Catholic clipart, why not send Christine an Email? Although she’s a busy mother, she might be able to fulfill your needs. ¹ Let’s start the process of restoring beauty and dignity to our churches!

NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

1   As you can see by viewing her store, her prices are quite reasonable.