A Return to Faith and Classical Tradition
Creating Calling by the Sea for St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Caloundra has been an incredible honour and a significant milestone in my artistic career. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to create something with such deep spiritual and personal meaning.
Biblical paintings have always been among my favourite subjects. Historically, religious painting has represented some of the highest achievements in technical skill and artistic expression, demanding an exceptional understanding of anatomy, composition, perspective, lighting, colour, and storytelling.
Having spent five years studying classical fine art at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, and working on altarpieces for other churches, I developed a deep appreciation for this tradition.
In today's art world, where so much emphasis is placed on commercial success, commissions, and simply making a living, I sometimes feel that this level of artistic dedication and spiritual purpose has become something of a forgotten tradition. Being caught up in the commercial side of art myself, it's incredibly refreshing to return to something that challenges me technically while connecting me with God and my own sense of purpose.
Calling by the Sea depicts the biblical moment when Jesus calls Andrew and Simon Peter to leave their fishing nets and follow Him. It is a powerful story of faith, trust, and transformation.
My process followed the traditional academic methods I was taught in Florence, beginning with preparatory sketches, followed by a colour study and finally the finished oil painting. The artwork was developed through a grisaille underpainting to establish the values and forms before gradually introducing colour through successive layers.
I am also incredibly grateful to Chevalier Yves Hernot, who generously donated the frame for this painting. It means so much to have him involved in a project of such lasting significance. There is something extraordinary about knowing that our contributions will remain together within the walls of St. Andrew’s for generations to come, potentially for as long as the church itself stands.
What makes this experience particularly rewarding is knowing that the painting will become part of a church community, where others can connect with its message and find their own meaning through the artwork.
I'm incredibly thankful to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church for trusting me with this commission. It has been a beautiful reminder that art can be so much more than a profession. It can be an expression of faith, devotion, and something greater than ourselves.
I'll be officially unveiling Calling by the Sea during the Sunday service at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Caloundra on November 29th. I'd love to see you there! Feel free to reach out if you'd like more information about the unveiling.
