Creative expression is a process in which one touches spirituality continually, for in creativity we begin to know the Creator. As we share the beauty and manifestation of new ideas and forms we explore the potential of ourselves and see the greater self. Art is not a metaphor for creation, it is the continuation of its presence. I most fervently want to impart the spirit of joyous union that comes from the concentration on this spiritual and beautiful journey.

Since my early teens, I have been interested and active artistically. Initially I was sketching, doing basic carpentry and tailoring, each tutored or encouraged by my family. Gradually it became a part of my interests that occupied much of my time and my apparent interest became more of my focus.

Since that early interest, four decades ago, I have produced a large and varied volume of works. The archive and collection of my works include: More than one thousand Liturgical Vestments, and at least the same number of watercolors, as well as a thousand prints. Throughout the years of study in undergraduate and graduate school I explored and worked in metals, ceramics, oil paintings, acrylic painting, and sculpture, these were accomplished together with watercolors and fabric works. For more than two decades these and other art works occupied my time, accompanied my teaching career, and my vocation as an Augustinian Brother.

As I grow and mature in my adult life all of these artistic activities are companions in developmental skills, technical skills, and intellectual growth. My yearning for greater depth and authenticity emerges and is fueled by spiritual life.

In the last twenty years I am inviting my spirit voice to emerge through painting, and iconography. My productivity is self-propelled, and I am choosing to channel as much as possible through myself by working and creating artworks. The sheer volume of time and focus begins to polish and refine my many projects.

Gradually and continuously I am beginning to be more the expression, rather than the maker of expressions. In so saying I am describing a Transformative process that was begun in my spiritual and artistic foundations that evolved into the path I have certainly begun to follow instinctively at this time. The seeking within, and liturgical education that harvested in my ordination to the priesthood was significantly instrumental in all that I do now.
My “style” or manner of expression is an ever-changing image that grows simpler, and visually more accessible to the viewer. I am in a constant activity with respect to one or the other of my artistic expressions. Like prayer, it is now an entirely integrated part of my personal and professional commitment.

EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

1979 M.F.A. Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, New York

1973 B.F.A. Villanova University, Villanova, PA

1972 Studied watercolor painting and Art History in Spanochico, Italy

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
2002-Full Professor of Studio Art at Villanova University, Villanova, PA

1982-2001 Summer programs in Shanghai, China, Siena, Italy and Messina, Italy

1979-1996 Assistant Professor of Studio Art, Department of Art and Art History, Villanova University, Villanova, PA

1979-Present Taught Studio Art at Villanova University, Villanova, PA

1973-1977 Taught Studio Art and Art History Msgr. Bonner High
School, Drexel Hill, PA

SPECIAL CREDENTIALS
2002-Full Professor of Studio Art at Villanova University, Villanova, PA

1999 Ordained a Roman Catholic Priest, St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, PA

1999 Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC

1997-1998 St. Charles Seminary, Wynnewood, PA

1997-1996 Villanova University Graduate School, Villanova, PA

1995 Granted rank of Full Professor at East China Normal University, Shanghai, China

1994 Present: Advance studies in 15th century Russian Icon tempera painting with Master Iconographer, Vladislav Andrejev, All Saints Episcopal Church, Wynnewood, PA

1993 Certified Liturgical Design Consultant, Chicago Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois

1989 Received sabbatical to study watercolors in Great Britain, China and Japan

1980 Advance studies Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA.

1978 New York Art Students League, New York , New York

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY

2000 University of Massachuset-Dartmouth co-director of the Mediterranean Studies Association Summer program in Messina, Sicily, Italy.

1987-1998 Chair of the Department of Art & Art History Villanova University, Villanova, PA

1979-Present Director of the Villanova University Art Gallery, Villanova, PA and Curator of the Villanova University Art Collection, Villanova, PA

MAJOR COMMISSIONS


2001- Present: St. John Neumann High School, Philadelphia, PA. Designed and Fabricating a 19 piece set of Vestments and Altar hangings. Commission will be finished in the Summer of 2002

2000-Present: Discalced Carmelite Nuns Monastery of the Holy Name of Jesus, New Franken, Wisconsin

1999- Present St. Augustine Church, New City, New York Since spring of 1999 I began working as the Liturgical Design Consultant for the parish community of St. Augustine, New City, NY.

1999 Christian Brothers, St. Gabriel System
Design and fabricated vestments and tapestries for St. Gabriel’s System and the Christian Brothers, Audubon, PA for the 100 anniversary of St. Gabriel’s. Seven month project

1998 - 1999 Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, Cathedral of the Savior Awarded the commission to design and fabricated vestments and altar hangings for the installation of the Bishop Charles Bennison of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania a 13 month long project. (See Appendix)

1995-1997 Tagaste Monastery, Suffern, New York
It was a great honor to be chosen by the Order of the Augustinian Recollects of the Monastery of St. Joseph, Suffern NY to be their Liturgical Design Consultant.

PRIVATE COMMISSIONS

2001 Design and Fabricated vestment for the Sisters of the Holy Child of Jesus, Rosemont, PA

2001 Commissioned to do a watercolor of Independence Hall to be given as a gift to the Parish Rectory of St. Monica, Philadelphia, PA

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