Today I will tell you how and when Saint Joseph patron saint of craftsmen, has appeared in our artistic endeavors. This sculpture started it all…
He is a figure who accompanies us every day, not only as a model husband and father, but also as the patron saint of workers. Saint Joseph frequently appears as a subject in our artistic activities. He is a saint who has appeared in sacred art since ancient times. Pope Francis said in his letter Patris Corde:
Because of this role in the history of salvation, Saint Joseph is a father who has always been loved by Christians, as evidenced by the fact that many churches have been dedicated to him throughout the world; that many religious institutes, brotherhoods, and ecclesiastical groups are inspired by his spirituality and bear his name; that various sacred mysteries have been performed in his honor for centuries…
Why questions and answers?
As we receive more and more inquiries about our projects, I’ve decided to answer your questions periodically. Why am I starting with St. Joseph? Because this saint has a special presence in our live. He accompanies our handwork in a spiritual way. He is a great help in the creative process, which sometimes can be challenging. This accompaniment isn’t just about the design of sculptures and daily work. It is also about our entire family.
When did we create our first sculpture of St. Joseph?
This brings back wonderful memories… It was while I was still in college.
We were already beginning our adventure with sacred art. We went to the SACROEXPO trade fair in Kielce, where we met the pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Rytro. He gave us our first commission. It involved making some small elements for the side altar.
After this project, we were invited to the next stage of the project: the arrangement of the chancel. This was a large-scale sacred project, including stone and forged elements. My husband’s skills, who holds a degree in artistic blacksmithing, were very useful in this project. One of the elements of the project was a figure of St. Joseph (or rather, the Holy Family).
This was one of the first major sculptures we created.
What did the first Saint Joseph patron saint of craftsmen, look like?
We depicted Joseph as the guardian of Jesus, a young boy standing between him and Mary. Saint Joseph holds his right hand over his heart. In his other hand, we placed a lily, a symbol of purity, one of the saint’s attributes.
The Holy Family, surrounded by brass rays and a bas-relief panorama of Rytro and Nazareth, is the central motif of the presbytery’s front wall.
A grapevine motif completes the entire composition. As a Eucharistic symbol, it connects the tabernacle and the main scene.
What was the most challenging commission for the sculpture of Saint Joseph?
Once again, it wasn’t just Saint Joseph, but another Holy Family. We realized it for the Sanctuary of the Infant Jesus located in Jodłowa, in the Tarnów diocese.
The work was carried out outdoors. We installed the Holy Family on the church’s facade. Outdoor sculptures requires special protection from the harmful effects of weather conditions. We took all necessary steps to ensure its longevity.
We depicted Jesus as a young boy standing between Saint Joseph and Mary. Saint Joseph holds his hand over his heart. Joseph and Mary together hold the cloak with which they protect Jesus.
Do you remember any particular commissions? People you worked for?
We usually create sculptures of St. Joseph the Craftsman. The Holy Family commission appeared in our studio only three times. Interestingly, each time we were creating sculptures of the Holy Family, in our family a child was born…
Our third Holy Family commission was for the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Krosno (Poland). The sisters run a kindergarden there.
All these events had something in common. The Holy Family, kindergarten, the birth of our third son…
That’s why we adopted St. Joseph with the Holy Family as patrons of our family.
Where can we see other sculptures of Joseph the patron saint of craftsmen, that you have created?
Over the years of our work, the saint Joseph was the subject of our numerous projects including full sculptures and bas-reliefs.
The sculpture with other elements, created as a commissioned project.
St. Joseph with a Child. The sculpture was a part of the modernization of the chancel.
The most interesting story related to the sculpture of St. Joseph?
In 2022, we carved St. Joseph for Uganda (Kampala-Munyonyo). One of the conditions was the low weight and small size of the sculpture. It had to be light and compact to be transported by the missionary.
Therefore, the sculpture was created in two parts, prepared to join together on site. Finally the missionary, with a large suitcase, transported St. Joseph sculpture across all of Europe and half of Africa…
Is there any sculpture that was created for a private individual?
Yes. A person for whom St. Joseph is a special patron asked us to carve a bas-relief.
There is also a sculpture that is located in the chapel of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters Monastery in Rzeszów (Poland). It is a cloistered chapel for the sisters only, a unique place where other people are not allowed.
Saint Joseph – Patron Saint of Artisans – Summary
Our initial works were enormous challenges considering our skills at that time. At the time, I thought everything turned out perfectly. Today, I see details which I would have done differently, although no one (probably my husband) can truly see it. These observations show me how much experience can be gained over 20 years of creating religious sculptures.
A photo gallery of Saint Joseph of Uganda (Kampala-Munyonyo) can be found here:
Saint Joseph – Munyonyo (Kampala) – Uganda
We will be happy to design, create, and install a sculpture of Saint Joseph.
We will also help you find a suitable location for it.
