New Jerusalem Studios, a firm based out of Phoenix, Arizona, specializes in the production of large scale sacred art murals and one of their relatively recent projects (2021) can be found at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church which is located in Cave Creek, Arizona.
In point of fact, the entire church itself would be worth one of our 'before and after' reviews as it appears to have undergone a significant transformation overall, but for today I would simply draw your attention th the mural located within the sanctuary. From the Studio:
Commissioned by Fr. Chad King, Pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, Christ’s Eternal Sacrifice to the Father & the Archangels involved a collaboration with the architecture firm, Phoenix Design Group to modify already completed designs from Forefront Development, LLC and existing artwork.
According to Fr. Chad’s vision, the artwork depicts the essential action of the Mass, Christ’s eternal self-offering into the hands of the Father, which inaugurates the new creation and opens the gates of Heaven to all who believe. Christ crucified, (an actual 3-dimensional crucifix provided by F.C. Ziegler's King's House), is set on the painted background, portraying it as the New Tree of Life. Set in an artistic vision of the New Creation, glorified local plants of the Phoenix desert landscape are incorporated to show that even our local place will be caught up in God’s saving actions.
The liturgical scene of Christ’s self-offering is attended by Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and providentially watched over by a dramatic portrayal of God the Father in whom is held all power, the whole cosmos, and perfect love.
Here then, are the fruits of their labours; fruits that not only bring liturgical and theological imagery to the sanctuary, but which also add a much needed bit of colour and ornament to the church and sanctuary.
It is perhaps this particular element of this design (see below) which captures and draws my own attention the most, presenting an image of Christ crucified, the Four Rivers pouring forth from the base of the Cross, with that added bit of 'scenic localism' seen in behind, connecting the seemingly 'distant' events of Calvary with the local parish and community.
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| Detail of God the Father |
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| Detail of the archangels Michael and Gabriel -- found to either side of the crucifix |
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