About St. Maximillian Kolbe:
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) was a Polish Franciscan friar and martyr renowned for his unwavering faith, selflessness, and heroic sacrifice during the Holocaust. Born as Rajmund Kolbe, he entered the Franciscan Order in 1910, adopting the name Maximilian upon his ordination. Deeply committed to spreading the message of God's love, he founded the Militia of the Immaculata, a movement dedicated to promoting devotion to the Virgin Mary. Kolbe's ardent advocacy for faith and humanitarianism led him to establish a printing press and radio station, enabling him to reach a wider audience and convey his message of hope.
However, it was Kolbe's courageous act during World War II that immortalized his legacy. In 1941, at the Auschwitz concentration camp, he selflessly volunteered to take the place of a fellow prisoner who had been condemned to die in a starvation bunker as punishment for an escape attempt. Kolbe's self-sacrifice demonstrated a profound commitment to his faith and an extraordinary level of compassion for his fellow human beings. His unwavering resolve in the face of adversity and his ultimate sacrifice stand as a testament to the power of love and faith, making St. Maximilian Kolbe a shining example of Christian virtue and heroism for generations to come. He was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1982.
Other Great Ways to Venerate St. Maximilian Kolbe…
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Georgia US, 1968- )
Title: St. Maximilian Kolbe Study (Young)
Medium: Graphite and white pencil on grey paper
Date: 2023
Graphite and white pencil study of St. Kolbe created in preparation of a larger oil painting. Original 9”x12” drawing on gray paper.
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Georgia US, 1968- )
Title: St. Maximilian Kolbe
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Size of Original: 24” x 30” x 1-1/2” (61cm x 76cm x 4cm)
Date: 2023
This painting of St. Maximilian Kolbe won honorable mention in the 2023 Catholic Art Institute Sacred Art Prize, a global art contest with almost 400 entries.
Original composition that was painstakingly researched, and took 4-months to complete. It was completed August 14, 2023, the feast day of St. Kolbe. This is a one-of-a-kind original that is 24” x 30”. Perfect for your home, Church, and anywhere you want to venerate this amazing Polish saint.
The one-of-a-kind original or museum-quality giclée reproductions are available for purchase.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Latest Blog Post…
Learning About The Life of St. Maximillian Kolbe Through Painting
Discussion of the symbols incorporated in the original painting of St. Maximillian Kolbe, and what they can teach us about his life and tragic death in Auschwitz.
Painstaking Process of Painting St. Kolbe
After four months of research, reference preparation, and finally painting, I completed my portrait of Saint Maximilian Kolbe on his feast day, August 14, 2023. This post is an inside look at my process. I can’t say for sure it is typical, but I know from talking to other artists that it isn’t unusual.
Be a part of the Transfiguration renovation project and hang art reproductions in your own home! Kevin Pawlowski is offering reproductions of his sketches, color studies, and final mosaics as they become available.
All reproductions are printed using the highest quality Giclée method, which ensures they look as close to the originals as possible. Drawings are reproduced on cotton uncoated paper, similar to watercolor paper, and color studies are printed on stretched canvas.
All profits (about 50%) will be donated to the Transfiguration narthex renovation project.
Background on Transfiguration Mosaic Project
Transfiguration has commissioned artists Dale Mulnar of Southlight Studio, and Kevin Pawlowski of Paradise Found Studio to create 6 original mosaic images of for the renovated narthex:
St. Mary - by Dale
An image of the Annunciation, the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to Mary.
St. Joseph - by Kevin
An intimate scene of St. Joseph and a young Jesus.
St. Matthew - by Dale
St. Matthew throwing down his worldly treasure to follow Christ.
St. Mark - by Kevin
St. Mark with an image of a lion, the traditional symbol associated with Mark.
St. Luke - by Dale
St. Luke is hard at work writing his Gospel.
St. John - by Kevin
St. John gazing at a vision of New Jeruselum, as referenced in Revelation 21.
The mosaics are expected to be finished in stages, the first few late 2025, and the rest through mid-2026.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.