Small “Prayer Altars” made from Over-sized Paintings
“The eye altering, alters all” - William Blake
These paintings were inspired by the stained-glass windows of both the grand cathedrals and the ancient and humble village churches I visited across Europe. Arrested by the beauty of the sacred imagery in these dwellings, they reminded me of how we are shaping and being shaped by the stories we tell.
Upon my return I began to create over-sized paintings of flying angels, dragon slayers and dancing lovers to bring beauty and hope into the space in my midst. The paintings have been on display locally (across Maine) in churches and galleries and at Mythic Heart Theatre events in Camden.
I have since been printing them small and hand-coloring them, then mounting them on wood embellished with handcrafted clay ornaments. My “Prayer Altars” can be placed on a wall or near a candle, inviting one to go beyond ordinary reality, to a more sacred and contemplative inner world. This world is where “the eye altered, alters all” (poet-painter William Blake, 19c), reminding us that the kind of attention we pay to our lives, helps to shape the world around us.
“Kathryn’s images fly, bearing hope and love. I hang mine next to my bedside.” - David
‘I am so happy to have “Living Tree” come live with me in Santa Fe” - Kathy
“These exquisitely beautiful and soulful Prayer Altars make for a meaningful gift to bless the home.” - Kristi
“I own two of Kathryn’s Prayer Altars. I love these personal, intimate pieces. It was difficult for me to choose. They vibrate with love.” - Katie
“I absolutely love the rose moon piece u created! it is so beautiful and it is just what I needed to add to my little cottage decor.” - June
"Simply lovely - grace your home, warm your heart." - Johan
“I have loved soaking in the image of Kathryn Oliver’s larger than life painting ‘Living tree’ . It was remarkable to me when she made it into a prayer altar that even in this small size this heart centered image still vibrantly expresses both the grounding and life illuminating energies I experienced in the larger version. The healing seed in the heart flowering into life, love and hope. I was generously gifted this little gem at a time of great loss and sorrow in my life. It sits in the center of my memorial altar, shining its light.” - Michelle
“I treasure mine and the poem that inspired it!” - Johanna
“I sure love mine!” - Stephen
“I absolutely love these hand-painted prints of the artist's sacred paintings mounted on wood. The artwork blends seamlessly with the wood and the whole piece has a smooth, glossy finish which enhances the rich color palette. They are luminous and enchanting to meditate with, especially under the glow of candlelight. Perfect gift for the holidays.” - Joanie
Price: $195 each with a $15 shipping charge (continental US) Contact: kathrynoliverart@gmail.com
Blue Angel
Size: 7.5” wide x 9” tall
“Blue Angel” is inspired by Advent Season. She represents a gathering in of the Light during the long dark winter nights. A reminder for us all to kindle that inner flame of warmth and protection, growing us into the coming season.
“Rise up, O Flame, by thy light glowing, Show to us beauty, vision and joy.” - Traditional Advent song
Living Tree
(Size: 6.5” wide x 11” tall)
“Living Tree” was inspired by the writing of the 16th century Christian mystic St. Teresa of Avila who wrote, "The tree that is beside the running water is fresher and gives more fruit."
With this as my inspiration, and while incorporating also my love of nature, I created a divine-feminine figure who is rooted in the ground like a tree and nourished by “living waters”. Her branches radiate to the heavens. Doves, which signify peace, are perched in them. And like a tree, she silently bears witness to the human drama unfolding around her. “Seeds of transformation” pour out, flowering from her compassionate heart. Might we draw strength from the water that sustains Her and find inspiration in her stillness. Despite life’s adversity and struggle let us water the seeds within our own hearts to bear fruit.
Saint George And The Dragon
(Size: 6.5” wide x 11” tall)
In one of the many tellings of the beloved story of “Saint George and the Dragon” we learn of a devouring dragon who threatens to destroy all life in the kingdom. The noble hearted King George calls to the heavens for help and Archangel Michael responds by filling his heart with divine courage and guiding him with the ‘sword of justice’. Together they battle the dark powers and transform the dragon.
Traditionally this story is celebrated between the Fall Equinox and the Harvest Full Moon. As the days grow colder and the nights grow longer, this story of transformation symbolizes the Light of Heavenly Wisdom needed to transform our own inner dragon. As we each participate in this process, so too, the world begins to transform.
Angel Flying Over The Village
(Size: 7.5” wide x 9” tall)
“Angel Flying Over The Village” is an image of comfort and protection above the sleeping city.
“All was taken away from you: white dresses, wings, even existence. Yet I believe you, messengers… I have heard that voice many a time when asleep” - Czeslaw Milosz , On Angels
The Lovers
(size: 7.5” wide x 9” tall)
“The Lovers” symbolize that fullness of Eros, flowering like a dream from the roots of a fruit-laden tree. These entwined Lovers commune with the stars, the moon and a dove and the dancing guitar shares in the musicality of that life-giving harmony.
“Love loves to love love.” - James Joyce
Angel In The Rose Garden
“Angel In The Rose Garden” is inspired by many years and hours spent in my garden amongst the roses.
“Under the summer roses When the flagrant crimson Lurks in the dusk Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, Comes and touches you With a thousand memories, And asks you Beautiful, unanswerable questions.” - Carl Sandburg
House Blessing
“House Blessing” is a painting inspired by Chagall’s dancing Angels and the joy and comfort his images have always brought me, especially in times of uncertainty.
In it we see a precarious and crumbling tower of houses in the background, a shy female figure riding a horse, roses blooming, hair entwined with a flying dove, an Angel’s embrace, all while balancing a tiny house on her foot!
“House Blessing” emerged as a remembrance of that illusive longing for home, to be encouraged to find the gift in each “dance-step” and to have faith that we are not alone on the journey, especially when we stumble and feel lost along the way.
Bewildered By Beauty is a video where explore my creative process over a three day period. Enjoy!