St Joseph becomes the ‘guiding hand’
Daniel in his studio
It’s an unlikely combination but a project engineer and a Canberra Braves ice hockey player have joined forces in the Year of St Joseph to produce a new painting of the great saint.
Engineer Daniel De Valentin is a talented local artist whose works have hung in the National Portrait Gallery, the Australian National University and in private collections.
This year he was commissioned by archdiocesan Vicar-General Fr Tony Percy to produce a painting of St Joseph for his parish church at St Anthony’s, Wanniassa.
The two began by discussing concepts involving a younger St Joseph instead of the older versions commonly portrayed.
Further inspiration came from one of Daniel’s friends who suggested a more hands-on St Joseph, positioning him alongside Jesus teaching him a specific skill. This would be different from classic scenes where both are pictured working separately.
“For my painting it, therefore, became St Joseph guiding the hand of Jesus to hammer a nail into wood,” Daniel said.
The finished painting
“It’s something very ordinary we could imagine our fathers teaching us. But takes on a new meaning when you consider that Jesus is God.
“The hammering of a nail into wood also of course has resonance with Jesus’s later crucifixion.
“It adds another layer to the painting that’s quite special.”
The project took about six months from concept discussions, to sketches, to photography, to black and white colourings, to the finished work.
Daniel worked from photographs of a carpentry set in his garage which is where the Canberra Braves ice hockey player Michael Giorgi entered the picture.
Michael was the model for St Joseph in the photographs and he was joined by Ben Jeffery who modelled the child Jesus.
Daniel’s wife Ruth (costume design) and brother Nathan (photography) were other key members of the team.
The finished painting will now be framed and varnished before finding its home at St Anthony’s.
Ruth creates the costumes (left) and the team put items in place for the paintings photo
Yes, art including the Holy Family very much needed in our world. We need more holy art from our modern times. Look in the filler shops and there is every representation of Budha but none of our Christian heroes.
Well done all involved.
What a beautiful scene and unique image of Joseph and Jesus.
God bless Ruth, Daniel, Nathan and all concerned. St Joseph and fathers and trades people are under rated. Where would we be without art, music and houses?
Jesus learnt a trade. To serve the community through a trade is the salt of the earth. How many Churches, sculptures and paintings over the centuries have come through trades people?
Being a good mother and hard working father are under estimated. My mother worked hard and constantly taught us to love and serve God. To do an honest days work is more important than explaining how Einsteins Theory of Relativity works.
God is simple. Love, forgive and trust. Science is ok but we have made it a God. The science of the 10 Commandments, the science of the Sermon on the Mount are easily understood by children.
God doesnt change. We must humble ourselves, our ways are not Gods ways. “Get behind me satan; abortion, same sex marriage, and other lukewarm philosophies cast the sheep into hell”.
Doesnt any modern Catholic listen to the real messages from Fatima? Fulton Sheen?
Saint Faustina and St Pope John Paul warned us. The time of mercy is almost up. Come December the 8th the restrainer will be withdrawn. Only a remnant will remain. Like in the Old Testament and the New. Get with the program please. Science, Church Councils and Politicians will not save you. The Rosary, Mass and Confession are your last and only hope.
The WARNING is imminent. As mentioned in Schindler Ark/ List, to save one soul is to save the whole world. Christianity is not about feeling good. Its about suffering and offering. To share in Christs Resurrection we must share in His suffering. If your not willing, God help you!
What a great depiction of St Joseph and his holy Son! Very realistic and modern – it brings the image to life really.
I’ve become more and more interested in learning about St Joseph lately. Being a father of 2 grown up boys I reckon I can learn a lot from him, and it makes me feel closer to God.
Would it be possible to buy a print of the original?
What a beautiful painting!!!!
It is nice to see Joseph and a younger one at that. I should liked to see a scar or two. I doubt he laboured unscathed, although the absence of machine tools may have been a blessing!.
Congratulations on your beautiful, surely divinely inspired, painting. Everyone concerned using their wonderful God given gifts, talents, patience, perseverance, hours of toil and team work to produce a simple, yet profound, and timeless portrait.
Father Trenton reminded us today, at online Mass, of words spoken by Mark Twain:
“The two most important days of your life are the day you came into being, and the day you realise why.”
Surely this painting in the Year of St Joseph, your hard work and collaboration – such a clever team – helps explain one reason “why” for all of you, especially the amazing artist. And for us? Well we, along with The Holy Family and all who see this it’s beauty and depth, get to celebrate your fabulous painting, all families, and God’s joy when we use our gifts and talents and appreciate our myriad blessings large and small.
Again so many congratulations, so well done, such a credit to you all, another blessing!
Congratulations Daniel, Ruth and the entire team. Wonderful talent and thank you for your contribution.
Congratulations Daniel and Ruth on this beautiful image. Truly blessed.
Could not be prouder of my talented yet humble son Daniel. What a beautiful rendition of St Joseph you have created. To have your great Nonno’s hand plane in the picture makes it even more special. Surrounded by your beautiful family and friends it is obvious to us, your parents, that you are living God’s plan. Congratulations 💗
He certainly has inherited good creative genes Sharon! You and Mark have every reason to be proud of this beautiful work. It is a beautiful piece that we can all enjoy for years to come. God bless x o x Cath and Matt
Well done Daniel, keep painting!
What a wonderful image of a younger Joseph. Congratulations Daniel, Ruth and your team. Will there be cards available anytime soon? I work in a school and we are so starved of positive male saint images that relate to our boys and young men – I’d really like to get the OK to either make cards or buy them.
Thank you all for such a positive response!
Yes, prints will be available soon. Will keep you posted.