“This class (Artist in Bloom Ministry) has been a journey to artistic discovery and is why I named a painting THE AWAKENING. I had a skill that was dormant until the energy of this class and Ginny’s instruction brought it out..an artist needs a point of view that could be called a visual philosophy. This has evolved over the last few years bringing confidence in creating a final product.”Joe McCrystal
Joe has grown as an artist. he simplifies his form. Yet it is multi layered and a road map of his experiences. Clarifying one’s image and moving the viewer’s eye witnesses Joe’s observation of life and relationships. … Virginia Cascarilla
What His Fellow Artists Have to Say:
“Joe has a gift. He is able to create a story in each of his paintings. The shapes, the lines starts a process that eventually turns into a wonderful, colorful narrative. His colors create different moods. I’ve never appreciated abstract art until watching Joe paint. This talented man pores his heart and soul into a painting and I have observed shapes and lines becoming structures and stories. You have a God-given gift and you share your gift with each of us. Thank you” – Karen Kirk
“Joe’s paintings are both lively and stimulating. He has mastered the art of creating shapes with rhythm and harmony. Joe creates some of the most stunning representational art I have seen. I am always interested in seeing his next creation! -Theresa Weedon
“As a fellow student, I’ve seen an exceptional artist. I learned from his work and I credit Joe with being an artist that loves color; and, seeks out a diverse choice of subject matter. Joe is an excellent artist that could go it alone, but he is prepared for some of the “challenges” that Artist Virginia Cascarilla presents to him as he evolves into an exceptional artist.” -Eileen Vernon
“It’s a privilege and an inspiration to my own artistic challenges, to observe the wonderful maturation and refinement in your painting. Your pieces truly reflect not only your talent, but your deep appreciation for this opportunity for self growth. I look forward to many more beautiful pieces with your signature!” -Jane
“Joe has never failed to amaze me. His ability to combine color and texture with movement, inviting the viewer to thoroughly enjoy each piece. His work is unique which is Virginia’s goal for us, to find our style and excel.” Debbie O’Leary
Artists in Bloom Ministry works toward embracing art and community as Sacrament. Each painting becomes evidence of redemption and transformation.
Life is a series of moments, good, bad and in-between, all strung together and constantly redefining who we are.Wehelp those who are in search of meaning. I am looking and believe we are all looking for meaning and purpose. Victor E Frankl, the renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust Survivor wrote ‘MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANING.’Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose.
I propose that making art can be antidote to despair, and the process of making it is transforming.Whenever one creates a painting, writes a poem, makes music, one participates in a ‘resurrection moment’ that is both redeeming and transforming. My objective is to fill a void that our secular world has created by giving people a new language, a new means of expression that is purposeful and autobiographical.Making art is deeply spiritual.
When given the tools of expression,we become engaged and connected.A sense of belonging and trust ensues. We all want a voice. I have created a 16 week plan to give people the tools for a visual grammar to create a life time of visual statements.
The idea is to give people the tools to engage, become connected with others in a supported community and create art.Those without a voice become discontented, angry and disconnected.Art is the antidote. Art transforms and redeems life.
