We’ve been bragging about Lucas Cranach as an artist, but what about a contemporary artist from our very own Cranach community, Sarah Hempel Irani, a.k.a. Sarah from Maryland? She too is a very gifted artist who expresses her faith in her vocation. Check out her website, which includes information on how you or your church could have or even commission some of her portraits or sacred art: hempelstudios.com
Consider this example of her work, a sculpture of Mary at the Annunciation. Note how expressive Sarah has made this block of marble!
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Isn’t this what they call a masterpiece?
Beautiful, from head to toe.
On Sarah’s website, who is the bearded face in the banner which is carved so intriguingly?
I know it’s just a little picture, and I wish I could find a picture of the whole sculpture, but that one really draws me in. Is it David?
Wow! I love this! It is simply beautiful!
Lori
Hopefully, Bryan, we’ll get Sarah’s attention and she can tell us more.
That is a great work. I love it!
Golly and geewhiz, thanks! *blush*
That bust to which Bryan refers is one I did in college of a fellow classmate. His face reminded me of a Medieval or Renaissance sculpture of an apostle, so I had to sculpt him. You can see a larger image here: http://www.erikandsarah.us/sitebuilder/images/heroicbust-402×600.jpg
I am overhauling my site and putting up new images in the coming months. I enjoy sculpting, but don’t enjoy taking photos!
If you want to learn more, I wrote an article for Lutheran Forum magazine, the most recent issue. I don’t think it is on the web yet. You’ll have to buy a copy! Actually, it is a pretty good journal and most of you here will enjoy it.
Thanks, Sarah.
And Praise the incarnate God who works such wonders through your faith in Christ. I very much like the bust - do you have a preference, as to which apostle? I think he could be St. James, John’s brother.
Are there any Lutheran benefactors out there who can bring some of this solid beauty to more of Christ’s Church? I know the children in our church’s preschool would love and perhaps remember the visual reminder all their lives.
I can’t get over the facial expressions you achieve, and the expressiveness of the hands.
Marvelous work. I’m in awe.
That is beautiful, Sarah - incredibly lifelike! Christian churches and schools would be blessed to have more high-quality sacred art like this. Fine art is not cheap, nor should it be, but many times the funds would be available if congregations prioritized enduring art over the latest technology like big projection screens in the sanctuary or flat-panel televisions in the lobby.
As Bryan said, a piece of art like this in your church or school is something that people will remember all their lives. Not much can compare to art in terms of long-lasting value and influence. If you have your church in your will, consider designating your gift to be used for sacred art.
This is just beautiful.
Amen, Cindy.
Sweet! It’s good to get to know you a little better, Sarah from Maryland.
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