the art of
Daniel Bonnell
I paint with the conviction of the supremacy of art over all other means of expression of knowledge–with this conviction underlies the materiality, individuality, and spirituality of the physical world where there exists a truth through humility whose essence could best be seen through the subjective emotional responses projected by art. In other words there is an inexpressible reality beyond words that comes from the divine, a unified field, a holy river, a reality paradoxically found in the beauty of unknowing. It reveals a grounded truth, that the mystery of seeing is seeing the mystery. When we receive a glimpse of this mystery, we have glimpsed eternity, and even the inverted Kingdom of God itself.
. . . . . the mystery of seeing is seeing the mystery. . . . .
. . . . . all artists are only midwives that enable creativity to emerge from the eternal. . . . .
. . . . .there is one supreme creative act–the Eucharist. . . . .
. . . . .the blind gestalt of our life is that God comes to us hidden as ourselves, embracing us from the womb to our last loving breath of grace. . . . .
. . . . .each of my paintings are a reflection of a phone call home to the Trinity. . . . .
. . . . . the mystery of seeing is seeing the mystery. . . . . . . . . . all artists are only midwives that enable creativity to emerge from the eternal. . . . . . . . . .there is one supreme creative act–the Eucharist. . . . . . . . . .the blind gestalt of our life is that God comes to us hidden as ourselves, embracing us from the womb to our last loving breath of grace. . . . . . . . . .each of my paintings are a reflection of a phone call home to the Trinity. . . . .
Latest Art
Title: Awaiting the Good Shepherd
Reflection # 3
What is Sacred Art?
A New Exhibition
The Pondering Series
REFLCTIONS #4
The Baptism of the Christ
The mural on the left was painted by Edvard Munch, a Norwegian artist born in1863 and died in1944. Munch is mostly known for his series of works titled The Scream. The expression of the burst of sun appears as an explosion of energy over the ocean. The painting on the right titled The Baptism of the Christ was born out of Munch’s expressive symbolic form.
In this painting we see the beginning and the ending of the short three year ministry of Jesus in one painting. It holds the semiotics of the alpha and the omega of reality contained in the humble historical Jesus becoming an example for all of humanity in His death, your death and my death of our sinful nature and the false personality.
The sunrise in Munch’s piece symbolizes new life as does The Baptism of the Christ, which symbolizes his crucifixion and resurrection in one gesture.
Left: Sunrise by Edvard Munch Right: The Baptism of the Christ by Daniel Bonnell
An Appeal:
Dear Patrons,
In reflecting upon the past 26 years as a sacred artist I am so very thankful that so many individuals as well as churches around the world embrace my art for your purposes. I find myself in a position as a form of visual Priest or Pastor with a hidden congregation. I am also thankful that my work is used within all denominations for many reasons and purposes. I will always stay committed to first being a follower of the teachings of Christ and then allowing my work to simply flow through me as the Holy Spirit chooses.
I have never asked for support or income within this hidden position I find myself. However, I am now 68 years old and I find that I am in need of discovering other forms of income to support myself and my wife. Therefore, I am making an appeal to all churches and individuals that embrace my art for a possible donation for a one time gift or ongoing monthly support. Perhaps your church has a missions board that can see the need to support a sacred artist such as myself? If so I would be so very grateful for any and all means of undergirding with a financial gift of support.
It is my hope that my request will be prayerfully considered as I walk into this next phase of my life and art. I have inserted a donation button on the bottom of this page to make any kind gift easily possible.
Thank you for your financial help as I produce these visual sermons that I pray will outlive me for many years to come in churches, homes, bulletin covers, worship services, and para church organizations. After much prayer I felt it time to make such a request and to trust God in this next phase of my life and art.
Peace of the Lord,
Daniel Bonnell