NARRAGANSETT — Metaphysics teaches that the properties of being — truth, oneness, goodness, and beauty — are inseparable.Where one exists, the others do as well. Beauty is found throughout the Catholic world in art, architecture and song. For centuries, sacred art was used to teach biblical histories to those who couldn’t read. More importantly to modern mankind, sacred art draws the eye and the heart to focus on God.
“Sacred art, as we know, goes back centuries, starting with St. Luke as the first iconographer,” local sacred artist Sharon Clossick explained. “Throughout history, the great masters such as Fra Angelico, Michelangelo and Raphael were known for creating magnificent works of art that expressed the mystery of the eternal.”
She speculates that these Renaissance painters and sculptors saw God as the author of beauty.
“As Christians, we understand that the very essence of beauty is found in the Liturgy, the holy Mass, the memorial and sacrifice of the greatest event that ever took place in human history. This is where beauty originates. … Sacred art finds its source not only in the Gospel, but in the Eucharist as well.”
As the wife of Deacon Joseph Clossick, she has studied the Catholic faith. With a concentration in art from Western Connecticut State as well as her current work toward her Master of Sacred Art at Pontifex University, she has learned much about sacred art over the last twenty years. While she always enjoyed art, this exploration began in 2005 with a pilgrimage.
That year, Clossick joined a group of pilgrims from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in South Kingstown on a trip to Rome and Assisi. There, she fell in love with art. “It just awakened me. And that’s what sacred art does,” she said.
After that pilgrimage, Clossick said that God graced her with the “intense desire” to create sacred art. Not long after she returned home, the pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Narragansett asked her to paint some works for the church. She now has seven paintings in two different parishes in the area. Additionally, Clossick maintains a website, sharonclossickfineart.com, where she sells prints of her work and accepts commissions for devotional paintings.
“Holy images draw us into contemplation with God and give us a glimpse of the eternal reality that is already present, yet incomplete in this life. In our brokenness, the beauty of these holy images helps us to recognize our need for God. For me, I find inspiration through prayer and most importantly, the holy Mass, where all truth, goodness and beauty are found.”
Clossick takes to heart Pope John Paul II’s “Letter to Artists,” where he admonishes artists to use their gifts to further God’s kingdom. “Sacred artists, in particular, have a tremendous responsibility to respond to the call placed before them,” the Holy Father said.
Pope Francis recently spoke similar words in his homily for the Jubilee of Artists. In it, he said, “Your mission is not only to create beauty, but to reveal the truth, goodness and beauty hidden within the folds of history, to give voice to the voiceless, to transform pain into hope.”
Studying sacred art through Pontifex University helps Clossick dive deeper into the Faith and gives her “more of an understanding of the Gospels.”
She believes that anyone with the desire to paint can learn to do so. While hers is definitely a gift, painting is a learned skill as well. These days, she devotes more time to her art, creating beautiful, sacred works.
“Distraction, busyness, and materialism blind us to the value and importance of the Transcendentals. This is the reason why I desire to share my faith through my art. I feel called to participate in keeping sacred art alive.”
To see true beauty, she believes, people must look outside themselves and raise their thoughts to a higher, holier place. This is what sacred art does, whether it be the Sistine Chapel or the works of a local Catholic artist.
“You are an artist, responsible for crafting your own life. Have you ever thought of yourself as an artist?” Clossick asks. She has certainly asked herself that question and answered with a resounding “Yes!”
“The gifts I’ve been given are not for me alone but rather meant to be multiplied and shared with others.”
Clossick’s work can be found at www.sharonclossickfineart.com.
