Father Phil

[Debra Jones]

This is my second piece for public viewing, to commemorate the expansion and new building of a local Greek Orthodox Church. I conspired with a donor for the commission and admit I have far to go, but the dedication of the new facility is this weekend and it is sort of a surprise, if one can DO such a thing, for the Father.

He posed for some photos for reference and I took a few shots during services, and cut and pasted the reference for the rest. Biggest challenge was how to handle the new and unfinished building.

It went through a LOT of changes during the course of the two year building processes including the multiple deaths in families of pivotal church members during the last days of planning and executing the unveiling. I may not actually be AT the unveiling because of the confusion, but I have the promise of photos of the reaction and pictures with the subject. I have not posted it because the general style is not my usual, but I am happy for the pros to comment, now that it is too late to help!

I tried to suggest the Byzantine feeling of Orthodoxy without the simple path of stylization. I worked (against my patron's suggestion of a smile) to emphasize the empathy and gentleness of the man, who was visibly uncomfortable and very much against being honored in this way. He is truly humble, and admittedly does not have the standard handsome face. He is also NOT Greek, which was what attracted me to him in the first place. Something about that dedication of the converted - his congregation is so proud of him. He needed some elevation.

So, I am throwing it in. It will hang on a wall so people can come in and look in person, so it qualifies me for the old "Seasoned Professional" category. Season.... perhaps some garlic and oil of clove... not the most refined, but definitely qualified!