San Damiano Crucifix Mosaic
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Texas US, 1968- )
Title: San Damiano Crucifix
Medium: Glass mosaic on board
Original Size: 2’ x 4’
Date: 2019
This is a glorious glass mosaic by Kevin Pawlowski. 13 months in the making, over 6,500 ties were hand applied to a 4’w x 5’h structure. The reproduction was created by the artist to best display on a rectangle design. The background is filled with the same cobalt mosaic tiles that wrap the sides of the original.
The design is based on the original San Damiano Crucifix hanging in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, Italy, but with a Latin American twist. Turquoise, blue and red elements were added, which were inspired by Latin American folk art. This is a nod to Pope Francis, combining the roots of St. Francis with the South American background of the Pope.
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Texas US, 1968- )
Title: San Damiano Crucifix
Medium: Glass mosaic on board
Original Size: 2’ x 4’
Date: 2019
This is a glorious glass mosaic by Kevin Pawlowski. 13 months in the making, over 6,500 ties were hand applied to a 4’w x 5’h structure. The reproduction was created by the artist to best display on a rectangle design. The background is filled with the same cobalt mosaic tiles that wrap the sides of the original.
The design is based on the original San Damiano Crucifix hanging in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, Italy, but with a Latin American twist. Turquoise, blue and red elements were added, which were inspired by Latin American folk art. This is a nod to Pope Francis, combining the roots of St. Francis with the South American background of the Pope.
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Texas US, 1968- )
Title: San Damiano Crucifix
Medium: Glass mosaic on board
Original Size: 2’ x 4’
Date: 2019
This is a glorious glass mosaic by Kevin Pawlowski. 13 months in the making, over 6,500 ties were hand applied to a 4’w x 5’h structure. The reproduction was created by the artist to best display on a rectangle design. The background is filled with the same cobalt mosaic tiles that wrap the sides of the original.
The design is based on the original San Damiano Crucifix hanging in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, Italy, but with a Latin American twist. Turquoise, blue and red elements were added, which were inspired by Latin American folk art. This is a nod to Pope Francis, combining the roots of St. Francis with the South American background of the Pope.
What Are Giclée Reproductions?
Giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay”) reproductions are high-quality prints of original artwork created using a specialized inkjet printing process. The term "Giclée" comes from the French word gicler, meaning "to spray," referencing the method of precisely spraying archival inks onto fine art paper or canvas. This advanced printing technique ensures exceptional detail and vibrant color accuracy, capturing the texture and nuances of the original piece.
Once printed, the canvas is stretched over a "stretcher" frame, a wooden framework designed to hold the canvas taut and maintain its structural integrity.
At Paradise Found Studio, Giclée reproductions of Kevin Pawlowski's artwork allow you to enjoy museum-quality pieces at an accessible price. Each print embodies the essence of the original creation, making it a perfect choice for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Click here to learn more about the giclée printing and finishing process.
Oil painting of St. Francis of Assisi in front of the San Damiano Cross, by Kevin Pawlowski.
About the San Damiano Cross…
The San Damiano Cross is a renowned icon that holds significant historical and religious importance, particularly within the Franciscan tradition. Originating from the 12th century, this cross is associated with a pivotal moment in the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It was in the dilapidated church of San Damiano, just outside Assisi, Italy, that Francis encountered this unique crucifix. According to Franciscan tradition, while praying before the cross in 1205, Francis heard Christ speak to him, saying, "Francis, go and repair my house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins." This profound experience marked the beginning of Francis's radical conversion and his mission to rebuild the Christian Church, both spiritually and materially.
The San Damiano Cross itself is a striking example of Byzantine-style iconography, characterized by its vivid colors and detailed imagery. Unlike typical crucifixes that focus on the suffering of Christ, the San Damiano Cross presents a triumphant Christ, standing erect and serene, with eyes open, signifying resurrection and glory. Surrounding Jesus are various figures, including the Virgin Mary, St. John, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Clopas, and the centurion who acknowledged Christ's divinity. The cross also features smaller figures representing angels and other saints, contributing to its rich theological symbolism. After the Poor Clares, an order founded by St. Clare under the guidance of St. Francis, moved to the San Damiano church, the cross remained there until it was later transferred to the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi, where it continues to be venerated today.
CREATING THE SAN DAMIANO CRUCIFIX MOSAIC (PART 1)
Every journey has a beginning, and this post takes you through the initial steps of planning the San Damiano Crucifix mosaic, starting with the research into the original.
CREATING THE SAN DAMIANO CRUCIFIX MOSAIC (PART 2)
There comes a time in every project where you have to wrap up the planning and get started. Any creative person, whether artist or writer, I have ever talked to has been able to relate to the terror of facing down a blank sheet, canvas, or in this case plywood.