commissioned for St. Benedict's Prep School
acrylic on canvas 6 ft. x 16 ft
unveiled June 6, 1993
The enfolding structure of St. Benedict' Prep School serves as a symbol of cohesiveness and interrelatedness. It is also meant to indicate the solid, dynamic presence of the school in the community.
This building becomes a metaphor for intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual understanding so essential to the well-rounded, psychologically and spiritually-grounded individual who leaves St. Benedict's equipped to encounter the challenges of life in the world. It has been said that windows are mirrors to the soul. Utilizing this thought, the windows of St. Benedict's took on a more profound meaning.
The artist's decision to have the story unfold through the windows of the school would not dilute the powerful presence of the facility. He painted stone-like panels beneath each arch or "window" and incised them with inspirational words. Each inscription is to guide and shape the aspirations of students, as well as serving as affirmation of the importance of the goals and accomplishments on all the many levels of human capability.
PANEL ONE: In a barren landscape, a monk kneels to examine a flower breaking through a crack in what was once steps. The gesture delivers a potent message of hope and redemption. Fortified through prayer, St. Benedict's Prep has survived harsh political and economic realities amid arid spiritual climates, as well as tumultuous social change by adhering to the principles of faith. The artist tells us that the school has not only survived but flourished through daily re-dedication to the spiritual ideals of its founders and historical antecedents.
PANEL TWO: In the eternal gesture of one preparing to labor, a monk rolls up his sleeves, while on either side of him, other monks prepare to teach, lecture or sermonize. Through a combination of efforts, both spiritual and physical, there was rebuilding from the soul outward; an emphasis which has resulted in revitalizing both people and buildings. Full spiritual realization of one's relationship with God, as well as the compilation of intellectual riches and economic fulfillment, is symbolized by a stairway of graduates. In the lower portion of the panel, a group of six people including Robert E. Brennan, principal economic contributor to St. Benedict's Prep, attend a ground-breaking ceremony for the Henry and Agness Brennan Recreational Center. The Center is an overt symbol of how unity of divine and worldly components result in practical achievement.
PANEL THREE: The Henry and Agnes Brennan Center is shown at the top of the panel as an all-embracing entity. Its structure houses multiple pursuits and activities. Directly underneath is an athlete running around an oval track and below the field is a game of basketball. Bracing both activities, a monk is shown directing a choral group, indicating the cerebral and spiritual functions of the school. Music is an elevating factor which contributes to the aesthetic development of students as well as being a life-and-soul-enhancing activity. The bottom level shows an art class with students completely involved in the process of creativity. This grouping is meant to reflect St. Benedict's nurturing of the creative process and the cultivation of student's aesthetic responses. By actually engaging in art activity, the student gains life-long understanding of the elements involved in a work of art, in addition to an appreciation of all art forms.
PANEL FOUR: The panel is meant to emphasize the necessity of a vision and continued progress toward an ideal. Where an empty lot now exists, the community of monks envision a "reading plaza," conducive to intellectual pursuits as well as meditation and contemplation. The community of monks see a cultured and cultivated student emerging from St. Benedict's Prep, as well as one rich in spiritual reserve.
| THE OVERSIZED STEPS the artist painted at the entrance of St. Benedict's are meant to symbolize the embracing nature of education and those who have been educated. Metaphorically, they are open arms for all students, guided and directed toward a fuller life by the encompassing dedication of the teachers. The steps also signify a welcome and an accessibility; a voyage that will eventually lead to self-awareness as well as a clearer image as to one's place in the universe. |  |