Meet Pennsylvania-based Artist India Fay Jones

India Fay Jones is a painter and poet based in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. You can find out more about her on Instagram.

CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?

INDIA FAY JONES: I consider myself to be a Catholic artist. I treat painting like a form of prayer. I often paint individuals with a cross on the figure’s forehead, signifying Lent.

Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?

Through my local parish, giving paintings to those in my religious community, as well as my spiritual mentor Deacon Ed Schoener.

Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?

I have found support from fellow church members, online, and through friends and family.

How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?

Maybe by incorporating art into the small groups, or done in the young adult and senior communities.

How can the artistic world be more welcoming to artists of faith?

By remembering that throughout the history of art, religious and Catholic figures and icons have been a source of many artists’ inspiration. That continues on through the modern world.

How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist in your city?

By accrediting God for my art, and trying to paint with good intent and prayers.

What is your daily artistic practice?

I try to paint every day. It is as much as an artistic expression, as it is a form of prayer. I feel like every brush stroke is like prayers to God.

What practical resources would you recommend to a Catholic artist living in your city?

In the town of East Stroudsburg, the 530 Main Street Gallery, the Orange Cafe, and the community and cultural center at the Middle Smithfield Library. I’ve also made use of the print website Popsa. It is a European website but it is extremely affordable. Good print work, too!