The creative arts can be the perfect vehicle for illustrating one’s faith journey, and junior Anbin Keen has been exploring new territory so far this year in Studio Art. Focusing on the principle of radial balance for a drawing project, Keen took his work to new heights in his conceptual design and execution of a piece inspired by the rose windows you may see decorating Gothic cathedrals across Italy.
“I came up with the design because I like to incorporate my own Catholic faith into my artworks”, says Keen, who is a devoted member of O’Dea’s Campus Ministry, and is a regular part of O’Dea’s Mass services.
“My faith is at the center of this artwork. Throughout my journey I have come to love Jesus more and more, who is at the center of our Christian and Catholic faith. And as Catholics we are blessed with Jesus’ mother, Mary, who has and still continues to lead me closer to Jesus.”
“The color combination in the artwork Is based on the warm colors of stained glass. In the very center are the initials of MP-OY and IC-XC. MP-OY is the Greek abbreviation for “Mater Theos” Mother of God, and IC-XC is the Greek abbreviation for Jesus Christ. There is one big circle and within it eight smaller circles. Three of the circles are the images of the Trinity, the other five are the five covenants made in the Bible from counterclockwise. There are eight more half circles surrounding the one large circle. The half circles have a rising sun with rays.”
“MP-OY and IC-XC are at the center of my artwork because they both should be the center of our lives. I’ve experienced many doubts throughout my faith journey, but God reminds me that his son is the Light of the world, which is why I drew the sun with rays in the artwork.”
Keen has managed to create something extraordinary here, both in complexity and beauty. Only a few short months into the school year, we can’t wait to see what he creates next.
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