Artist Statement: The Sacraments unite heaven and earth – joining the things above to the things below – calling out something altogether new. Matter and Spirit become transparent to each other – each opening onto the other. Water becomes Blessing. Blessing becomes Water. A table, an altar (the earth slightly elevated, but still here, made of earth stuff, still grounded) becomes a mystery place in between - a passage between up & down, in & out, earth & heaven – an accessible place where Christ may be found through bread and wine.
These liturgical furnishings in bronze were partly inspired by the timeless archetype of the Tree of Life – in Genesis we were separated from it – in Revelation it is restored to us. In fact, I am not aware of any religion without some kind of Tree. A tree, too, seems to be some kind of universal sacrament – a vision of life, generosity, and thriving – here and yet to come.
Bio: David Orth is a lifetime artist, craftsman, perpetual student, and occasional teacher. He works with wood and metal to make both functional and meaningful objects for people and communities.
David ventures deep and wide during his design process. Iconography and liturgical furnishings, just like people, continually evolve with new understanding and fresh expression - not to be different or even eye-catching, but because the deepest, most ancient wells of Divine energy are always flowing with fresh water.
Orth has two degrees in philosophy, has taught in the art and architecture departments of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and continues to share his craft and thoughts in multiple venues. He recently moved his home & studio from the Chicago area to the Ozark hills of Northwestern Arkansas. davidorth@orthsculpture.com
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