April 28th used to be the feast day of Saint Paul of the Cross, the Italian mystic who believed God was most easily found in the Passion of Christ. I was named Paul because I was born on this day. Coincidentally, I have always been drawn to the Stations of the Cross. A close family friend, Father Bill Shannon, returned from a European trip with a relic of Saint Paul that he gave me when I was ten or so. I began work on this series during Lent this year and finished in time for my birthday, St. Paul’s birthday.
In 1969 Pope Paul VI moved the feast day of St. Paul to October 19th. Grrr. My birthday remains where it was. And then Pope John Paul II attempted to put a happy ending on the Stations of the Cross by adding a 15th station dedicated to the resurrection. I’m not buying it (or the miracle). I created fourteen Stations, each 14″ by 17″, acrylic paint on plastic panels.
– click images for enlargement
I. Jesus is condemned to death
II. Jesus accepts his cross
III. Jesus falls for the first time
IV. Jesus meets his Mother
V. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross
VI. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
VII. Jesus falls for the second time
VIII. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
IX. Jesus falls for the third time
X. Jesus is stripped of his garments
XI. Jesus is nailed to the cross
XII. Jesus dies on the cross
XIII. Jesus is taken down from the cross
XIV. Jesus is laid in the tomb
these really trigger & fuel the imagination !
Where is XIII image? You have two of VIII.
I really like the form and contrast of this series.
Happy Birthday Paul!!!
Happy Birthday Paul!! I wish the Christians and Buddhists weren’t so into suffering. Then again, I’ve come to believe it’s the basis of all happiness.
These are remarkable. And quite a progression from your earlier version years ago!
Happy birthday.
This is a phenomenal series. So thoughtful and graphically strong.