Mission Statement
Responding to Pope John Paul II’s encyclical to artists, I will nurture the talents God so generously gave me and choose to apply them within the Catholic Church.
As catechist and artist, I will combine the two in an effort to urge my fellow Catholics to deepen their understanding and their love for God; I want my paintings to say something, to catechize and to provoke reflection.
Again, combining painting with writing, I shall advertise the truths and traditions of the Catholic faith, using words to invite the faithful to reflect on what is portrayed.
My painting will be an act of prayer from which is derived the written message accompanying every painting. Furthermore, the content of my writing will be carefully screened by a Catholic priest for any doctrinal error before being printed.
I will not make use of my artistic freedom at the expense of possible misinterpretation or irreverence. Instead, I will free myself to paint in a variety of styles as the subject dictates, in imitation of the Eternal Father whose creation is so rich in variety.
The Evangelist and beloved disciple, St John is my chosen patron for this work. Of him and of all I ask for prayer that I may remain true to my call. May what flows from my Catholic heart fulfill the purpose of art; that it glorifies God and dignifies man.
Ira Thomas
