Meet Indiana-based Artist Christopher J. Rziha
Christopher J. Rziha is a novelist and woodworker based in South Bend, Indiana. You can check out his novel, The Way of Lucherium, here and his hand-carved crosses here.
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to your current city?
CHRISTOPHER J. RZIHA: I am originally from Atchison, Kansas. I moved to South Bend in the summer of 2023 to pursue a PhD in Spanish literature, where I focus on mysticism, theater, and translation.
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist? Do you consider yourself a Catholic artist?
I do! In fact, a key motivation for writing my book was when a professor once told me that tragedies constitute the most long-lasting form of story because they touch on the deepest aspect of the human experience: loss. While I agree that, in our sinful state, loss makes up an integral part of our existence, the reality of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection means that life, and happiness (or a longing for it), are the truly deepest aspects of the human experience. This doesn’t negate or diminish the loss and grief many of us have encountered in any way (remember, Jesus died before he rose), but it does help order it towards our ultimate end as creatures made in the image of a wise and loving God. And communicating that message that is what I see myself called to as a Catholic artist.
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
Especially from professors and mom groups. I attended a Catholic college and still reach out to my professors regularly for advice and support regarding my ongoing projects. And Catholic mom groups (and their email chains) are really quite miraculous when you want to get the word out about something.
Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?
At a local ‘coffee house,’ hosted by some dear friends, who open their home to Catholic and non-Catholic performers alike once every month.
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
I wish I had a better answer as to ‘how,’ because I do see this as a need. For instance, when my novel was published, I asked a wonderful colleague of mine who works for the de Nicole Center at Notre Dame if they knew of any programs sponsored by the university that supported and showcased student work such as mine, and he couldn’t think of any. While certain departments may champion their own people, the fact remains that, even at well-connected institutions such as Notre Dame, an artist has to do their own legwork to find the support and welcome that they need.
Where in your city do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?
We attend St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mishawaka, which has a wonderful community of young Catholic families, a very reverent liturgy, and a beautiful church.
Where in your city do you regularly find artistic fulfillment?
During Mass, without a doubt. I came up with the first chapter of my novel after receiving Holy Communion, and the architectural elements of my home parish regularly serve as inspiration for new cross design ideas.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?
1. Strive to maintain your prayer life, because true beauty flows from contact with divinity.
2. Find a career or a hobby that stimulates you intellectually. It doesn't have to be art-related, necessarily, but it should get those ‘artistic juices’ flowing. For instance, I starting seriously working on my novel after doing a book review on a volume of scholarly essays that analyzed the work of the Cuban mystery writer Leonardo Padura. Does that have anything to do with my artistic endeavors? No, but it inspired me to try my hand at fiction for some reason. Find what does this for you.
3. Build relationships. These people may or may not buy your art, but they will definitely know people who know people who will. Trust that God has placed those around you in your life for a reason.