Undomesticated
By Katherine Smith
Artist Statement
Pope Francis challenged artists at a gathering in the Sistine Chapel to not “domesticate Jesus” in their artwork and his charge confronted me to consider how the work of the cross and the mission of Jesus have been watered down, diluted, or shrunken small to reinforce private comfort or personal certitude. The work of the cross tears down every wall of animosity we have built up, every division we have fenced people groups in with, every line of separation we have drawn in the ground. The work of the cross confronts the empiric system that we have participated in that has oppressed, silenced or demonized people groups. The work of the cross frees every person from the shackles of shame, darkness and separation that have kept us in bondage. The work of the cross transforms every act of evil meant to harm, kill and destroy into an invitation for all of humanity to join in the life-giving sacrament of breaking bread. The work of the cross rewrites our stories in the most final way, handing us a new identity in Christ as beloved children of the crucified King. Where so many of us build a wall of division, Jesus dismantles that to build a table of belonging. What Jesus sets before us around the communion table is one of the most beautiful, unifying movements of our faith. We are invited to live, love, gather and break bread with the most unlikely of neighbors where we do not control the guest list. This love feast offers a universal space of belonging and kinship that transcends every category of division we have created for ourselves. The imago dei is stamped into the fibers of our being and we are each objectively the children of God. We all belong, we all have a place at the table, we are all included in this universal invitation to abundant life through Christ.
About the Artist
From the westside of Cleveland, OH, I am a graphic artist with a deep desire to communicate universal truths and transformative encounters through creative expression. In my work, I visually utilize a powerful simplicity through graphical forms, bold colors, layering of shapes, and embracing a spirit of play through my art. My creative work seeks to illuminate the interconnectedness and symbiosis of the natural world, all of humanity, and the mystery of the Divine – all in relationship + conversation with one another. Exploring the incarnational beauty of creation and the real presence of the God thrumming through this present, ordinary moment are major themes in my work. My husband and I have four growing, beautiful kids who keep us busy and on the go. We enjoy adventures as a family, camping, exploring our metroparks, hiking the trails, and swimming in the rivers. I’m in progress toward earning a Master of Arts in Catholic Studies from Franciscan University and I hold a BA in Media Computing and Studio Art from University of Mount Union. By day, I’m an art teacher at St. Jude School and we are involved in our local church that we deeply love.