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The Virtual Gallery: uniquely original new works.
from the compelling art of Michel F., conceptual artist
This Quebec artist has donated to Saint Joseph's Oratory seven hand-made ''books'' which he designed to foster meditation and contemplation. This contribution is accessible exclusively through the Oratory's website and affords viewers a chance to explore these unparalleled, inspired works of art. Using found objects, the artist has wedded his love of books in all their forms to the language of faith. Collaborating with artisans of exceptional abilities, the artist conceived these works not on commission but at his own expense.
Michel F. writes, '' I was born into a family of vibrant faith. My parents always remained faithful to Sunday Mass, so I remain faithful to participating in the Day of the Lord. At the same time, I am taken by the artistry inherent in goldsmithing, sacred sculpture, architecture, woodworking... depictions of the Way of the Cross... I am particularly inspired by a papal encyclical on the liturgy: ''The function of all art is to transcend the frustrating bonds of the finite which restrict humanity in this life, and to open a window for the soul which aspires to the infinite.''»
To contact the artist Michel F., call 514 843-8607
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Welcome to the spiritual world of Michel F.!
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Photos: Richard Morin and Annick Robert
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The Book of Bees or Apiculture at the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac
This ''book'' fashioned by the Montreal artist Josée Roberge consists of an actual piece of honeycomb, enclosed in a bound case. Within this organic structure, a yellow or pink wooden bead is nestled inside each cell, forming the image of a rosary arranged in the shape of heart. This meticulous work mirrors that of the abbey's monks who inspired in the artist this concept: A bountiful nature signs its praise.
Format: 52.5 x 30.7 x 6.3 cm
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The Book of the Life of John Paul II
The miniature book of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II, seems to insinuate itself into the universe to protect us. This remembrance of the first Polish pope remains graven within the heart of the world and our lives. The book is inserted into the jaws of a wrench head, mounted on a circle symbolizing unity. This holder was gold-plated by the Matri Max compagny of Quebec, and assembled at the Atelier d'usinage L.C. Enr. of Longueuil, a firm specializing in rebuilding motors and transmissions. |
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The Book of Saint Gregory the Great
The cover, bearing the coat of arms of Saint Gregory the Great, Patron of Sacred Music and Doctor of the Church, is fashioned of leather and velour. As we open it, we are presented with an unexpected surprise: the ''text'' consists of a stack of vinyl records glued together, then cut to fit the dimensions of the cover. The edges were gilded by the Atelier de dorure de Montréal, Pierre Laruelle director. The record label on the top ''page'' identifies the recording as ''Gregorian Chant from the Abbey of Sainte Avine.'' Saint Gregory is the patron of the village (Saint-Grégoire) where Brother André, founder of Saint Joseph's Oratory, was born. The oeuvre is a hymn of thanksgiving for the gifts and talents of artists. |
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The Book of the Spouses or The Marriage of Claude and Claudine
Two miniature books are united at the front edges of their red covers; their slipcase is an oval crystalline vase. They symbolize the life commitment of Claude and Claudine, who are henceforth by means of the elegantly refined binding created by Nicole Billard of Longueuil. The blank pages represent their (as yet) unwritten life together, a remarkable commitment of love with God as their defender. |
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The Book of Love
In this masterful work, the artist tries his hand at calligraphy. Michel F. has handwritten an extract from a document, The True Meaning of Human Sexuality, issued by the Pontifical Council for the Family, which contains guidelines for family education-a meaningful moment of sharing between couples and their children. The book was produced at the renowned Papeterie Saint-Gilles of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive in Charlevoix. |
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The Encyclopsedia of the Gospels
Bound and set in a small box by Montréal artist Fran Sendbuehler, this book presents the four Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in a wholly original way. In a deep blue box, four tubes made of paper from piano rolls are lined up in a row. A connection between music and sacred texts is thus made by an allusion to papyrus. It takes us back in time to the heart of the Christian traditio. In this way, Michel F. has us sense the depth and the timelessness of a message transmitted across the ages. Prayer, carried on the wings of song, penetrates our imagination.
Fran Sendbuehler can be reached by appointement at her workshop, No Bar Code at 305, rue de Bellechasse, office 405, Montréal (Québec) H2S 1W9. Tel.: 514 570-8913
info@nobarcodepress.com
www.nobarcodepress.com
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Proclamation of ''I believe in God''
This work consists of a recycled trumpet with a lock that holds the musical score for the Ave Maria. It was constructef by a specialist in wind intruments from Longueuil, Marc Jean. For artist, michel F., the trumpet proclaims the encounter between the visible and invisible world through the symbolism of two superposed mouthpieces on one end. The three keys represent the Trinity, Father, Son, and Spirit united in their protection of the world. The security offered by the lock is like our profession of faith, the ''I believe in God'' that protects and guides us. The score of the Ave Maria honours Mary, our mother, herself a powerful symbol of protection and love for us all as children of God.
According to Michel F., ''Contemporary art is experienced and produced in a context of life and allows us to live an attitude of listening and faith which are intimately related to one another,''
Marc Jean can be reached by appointement at his workshop at 1176, rue Saint-Laurent Ouest, office 200, Longueuil (Québec) J4K 1E3 Tel.: 450 674-8420
musiquedemarc@bellnet.ca
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