the art of
Daniel Bonnell
As an artist, a painter, I have a single mission being to glorify the Father by honoring the Son. The image of a proud father pulling out his wallet to show off a proud image of his son is the simplest way to express my mission. I am simply a creative midwife that brings forth a sacred work.All my paintings are simply phone calls home to my Heavenly Father.
I paint with the conviction of the supremacy of art over all other means of expression of knowledge–with this conviction underlies the materiality, individuality, and spirituality of the physical world where there exists a truth through humility whose essence could best be seen through the subjective emotional responses projected by art. In other words there is an inexpressible reality beyond words that comes from the divine, a unified field, a holy river, a reality paradoxically found in the beauty of unknowing. It reveals a grounded truth, that the mystery of seeing is seeing the mystery. When we receive a glimpse of this mystery, we have glimpsed eternity, and even the inverted Kingdom of God itself.
Searching for a Theo
Dear Patrons,
Thank you for the support you have sent my way in purchasing my digital images, commissions, art purchases, and for using my art to serve your purposes as Pastors, Priests, Nuns, and Monks as well as individuals that seek to own sacred art. After 30 years of producing my art I find myself in a position as a form of visual Priest or Pastor with a hidden congregation. I am also thankful that my work is used within all denominations for many reasons and purposes. I will always stay committed to first being a follower of the teachings of Christ and then allowing my work to simply flow through me as the Holy Spirit chooses.
I am a tent worker artist, meaning that like the Apostle Paul who made tents to support himself, I also work as an art teacher within the inner city at an at-risk black high school, to Special Needs Children, and now within a broader demographic public school of many ethnic backgrounds. I am thankful to have a means to serve youth that need art in their lives now serving over 22 years.
Just as Vincent Van Gogh had a major supporter in his brother Theo, I too am seeking support from the broader community of the followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ worldwide. I am now age 70. It is my hope and prayer, at some point, to be able to paint full time within serving the Kingdom of God. If you know of a foundation, church, or individual, that has a heart for sacred art—perhaps they could consider becoming a major supporter, a Theo, for what my art represents? Please direct them to this appeal.
If you believe in the power of not just the printed Word —but the painted Word, I hope you will consider supporting the art I send out into a dark world. I have inserted a donation button on the bottom of this page to make any kind gift easily possible.
Peace of the Lord,
Daniel Bonnell
Title: Mary in her 9th month waiting for the Good Shepherd #3
The Cave Video Series
I invite you to sit with me in the cave and reflect on images and metaphors where words, even scripture, leave off.
The Christ is above all theology. The Cave is not for anyone who has a need to be right on their perspective of God. To those individuals, and there are many, mystery has no place in their lives due to pride. They are more blind than if they were born without eyes. The Cave is only for those who are freed up to be wrong in their theology, and perspective—this side of eternity. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
You are invited to join me in The Cave.
An Appeal:
Dear Patrons,
In reflecting upon the past 30 years as a sacred artist I am so very thankful that so many individuals as well as churches around the world embrace my art for their purposes. I find myself in a position as a form of visual Priest or Pastor with a hidden congregation. I am also thankful that my work is used within all denominations for many reasons and purposes. I will always stay committed to first being a follower of the teachings of Christ and then allowing my work to simply flow through me as the Holy Spirit chooses.
It is my hope that my request for support will be prayerfully considered as I walk into this winter phase of my life and art. As an artist I have largely lived from month to month trusting only in God to provide. I am a faith-based artist.
If you believe in the power of not just the printed Word but the painted Word I hope you will consider supporting the art I send out into a dark world. I have inserted a donation button on the bottom of this page to make any kind gift easily possible.
Peace of the Lord,
Daniel Bonnell