Favorite Things: Original Catholic Art

For many years, one source of despondency for me has been the plethora of shoddy Catholic statues. While prints of the Old Masters are always there to liven my devotional life, it saddens me to pray before a statue of Mary with features more reminiscent of Barbie than Our Lady. And it seems that every Catholic store stocks the same cookie-cutter pieces: even faint originality can only be had for a price over a hundred dollars! As a patron of Catholic artists, I yearn for original beauty in three dimensions: alas, it seems so difficult to find.

It was with wonder and delight that I discovered Fatima Statues and the Duke Tran family at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show this year. This Vietnamese family has made it their mission to craft hand-carved statues of Christ, Our Lady, and St. Joseph from hardened driftwood. Their craftsmanship is exquisite, and their price is amazingly affordable. I paid a mere $32 for this 8" statue of the Mother and Child. (A similar one is available on their website, #29 on the list.) Larger statues are to be had for a larger price, but even a foot-high piece such as this Holy Family is priced at only $92.00. Since each piece is unique and one of a kind, some are out of stock, yet the photos capture the scope of this family's skill. And I love how the artist uses the curves and beauty of found wood as an inspiration. Truly unique, truly a work of love: a long quest for me has ended with the discovery of a treasure I am happy to share.

Comments

Unknown said…
That is a wonderful statue! And I have also been looking for statues of Our Lady that don't fit the usual mold. But I can't find the Fatima Statues website. Could you post a link?
regina doman said…
The link is in the text, but if you couldn't get it for some reason, it's http://www.fatimastatues.com/
Amy and Sarah said…
Thanks you for posting this information and the link! Very nice stuff they have there, and no RESIN! Seems like everything is made of that these days. Their work is lovely.
Mtn Mama said…
That's why I prefer icons. There used to be a great statue business in Los Angeles - Fusek's - where they carved wooden statues. I've never seen anything like their work since they closed.
Thank you for this post! Wood is a beautiful medium with its own natural beauty. You have a lovely blog, and you have inspired me in my own efforts as a artist and new blogger.
Finally! A Catholic art venue. Have been a Catholic convert for 35 years, and am dearly blessed by His Divine Mercy. Have been doing artwork for the last 7 years in pen and ink for a nonprofit organization. Thank you for your blog; it is a blessing to us all, and the peace of God be with you. Kindest regards, John.
Glad you bought this for your home! I remember stopping by... hope all is well - still amazed I got in so much time with you and your wonderful husband last month. Miss you.

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