Image to Insight
The Art of William Hart McNichols
by John D. Dadosky and William Hart McNichols
Foreword by Mirabai Starr
Published by: University of New Mexico Press
176 Pages, 9.00 x 12.00 in, 53 color photos
Iconography is undergoing a revival in twenty-first-century American Catholicism. William Hart McNichols, who paints in his studio in New Mexico, is one of the most popular iconographers of this renaissance, and this book comprises a selection of his icons and sacred images. The book presents images of holy women and holy men as well as images of Mary and Jesus. Philosopher and theologian John D. Dadosky introduces each piece and demonstrates how McNichols's paintings communicate sacred stories as well as mark significant moments in the artist's personal development.
John D. Dadosky is a professor of theology and philosophy at Regis College at the University of Toronto. He is the author of The Structure of Religious Knowing: Encountering the Sacred in Eliade and Lonergan and The Eclipse and Recovery of Beauty: A Lonergan Approach.
William Hart McNichols (Father Bill) was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in Denver, Colorado. His icons are now exhibited around the world, and he is the author of several books of fine-art icons as well as children's books.
"The artist . . . exists in a fascinating space between the Byzantine and the contemporary, the sacred and the intimate, and exterior appearance and interior life."--Catherine Caesar, Catholic Southwest
"The great theologian and philosopher Fr. Bernard Lonergan, SJ (1904-1984) said, 'Image leads to insight.' Using beautiful images, this book makes Lonergan's complex thought more available for deeper contemplation."--Richard Rohr, OFM, author of The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation
"Father William Hart McNichols is one of the great Christian artists of our age--of any age."--James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage
"How difficult it is to dwell in the only Regard that lets us know who we are! It is made fractionally easier thanks to the very special gifts of Bill McNichols. . . . John Dadosky has prepared a wonderful collection and guide, material for slow reading and privileged meditation."--Father James Alison, author of Jesus the Forgiving Victim: Listening for the Unheard Voice
"William Hart McNichols the Iconographer and John Dadosky the Theologian complement each other as Image and Insight. Thanks to Bill and John we can now think beautifully and see theologically. Their book is a treasure of Christian art and theology, and I pray that it will be seen and thought by many."--Peter C. Phan, SJ, author of The Joy of Religious Pluralism: A Personal Journey
"Father Bill's brilliant talent explores, reflects, and captures the profound mystery of religious art from the east to the west at a deeply personal level with no equal anywhere in the field today."--Martin Sheen, actor and activist
"Our Blessed Lord has given Father McNichols such a gift, in a way a very costly gift, but at the same time a sanctifying gift."--Sister Wendy Beckett, author of Sister Wendy's Grand Tour: Discovering Europe's Great Art
Foreword
Mirabai Starr
Introduction
Chapter One. Holy Women
Chapter Two. Holy Men
Chapter Three. Images of Mary, Mother of God
Chapter Four. Images of Jesus
Chapter Five. Holy Images
Notes
List of Illustrations
Also Of Interest
