Contemporary Racheal Van Dyke Original Monoprint - 1 of 1, Framed

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This monoprint - 1 of 1 - has me obsessed with the artist (Rachael Van Dyke) and the subject (St. … Read more This monoprint - 1 of 1 - has me obsessed with the artist (Rachael Van Dyke) and the subject (St. Catherine of Siena).

If you appreciate this gorgeous, modern work without knowing more, then be satisfied with this beautiful piece on its face. At once classical and new, she is sure to be a favored addition to any collection in any setting. Effortlessly versatile and elegant, she will stand out, shyly but powerfully, in any decor style.

If you want to know more, buckle in. Because this is an incredible ride.

First, the artist: Rooted in an intuitive process and a dynamic studio practice, Rachael Van Dyke's contemporary painting balances abstraction and narrative with immediacy. Created from a need for movement -physically, emotionally and geographically, Van Dyke's work reflects her time living off the grid in the Blue Ridge Mountains and her passion for "place" specific work through residencies around the world. These residencies create new boundaries for her work and encourage an alteration of technique and expression. These boundaries also create stimulation as she is forced to understand and come to terms with her limitations. Being open to a new color palette or a new visual language to express the land and culture is necessary. Rachael chooses to explore the region through hiking or bicycling, visiting museums and historic sites, and trying her hand at engaging with local residents. Each body of work is influenced by place and tells a story of the people.

Second, the subject: If you would like the longer and more varied version of this Saint’s life and significance, please check out her Wikipedia entry. A streamlined, modern version, in keeping with the piece and its artist: St. Catherine devoted herself entirely to God during her early life in Siena through good works and ministry with the poor and sick. And I mean the poorest and sickest. She was widely regarded at an early age as a holy woman serving God’s most needy.

Coming of age in the 1370s and 80s, and deeply concerned by schisms in the Catholic Church and papal politics, she became a historical and significant instrument of change in the Church through her letters and written advocacy, which influenced the Pope and changed the direction of the Papacy and Church. Imagine, a young woman in her twenties in rural Italy who had dedicated herself entirely life to those in poverty and sickness, deciding to write down her concerns and moving the Pope.

This piece captures her religious significance with the chapel-like shape but in a modern, secular way. A woman so direct, she looks you in the face. And the handwriting in the background signifies the power of her letters.

An impactful piece.

Monoprinting is a type of printmaking where the intent is to make unique prints that may explore an image serially. Other methods of printmaking create editioned multiples, the monoprint is editioned as 1 of 1. This is a unique piece of art.

Thank you for looking-and reading this far- and please let me know if you have any questions. See less