“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Michelangelo
Light and Life from Beyond(a tapestry hand-sewn and embroidered, 36 x 70 inches). In this tapestry, we can marvel at a beautiful moonlit night, illuminating the rising wave that will grow, crest, and roll onto the beach that the sea turtles have just left behind, as they begin their journey into the complexities of life. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
From Mountain to Reef (a tapestry hand-sewn and embroidered, 45 x 76 inches). This tapestry depicts the Integral connection between the Sky and the Sea, and what lives in and between in Nature, including you and me, inspired by the magnificent nature of Puerto Rico. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Niantic River Scalloping (38 x 44 inches). This Tapestry (hand-sewn and embroidered) dignifies beauty, ecology, history, and my personal recollections of Nature. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Their second greatest gift is an acrylic painting on canvas, 46 x 34 inches. The Three Magi who brought gifts to baby Jesus, now return as angels and bring us their second greatest gift, shown in the mirrors they hold—the Reality that we are One Integral piece of the Living Cosmic Puzzle we call Earth, “Our Common Home.” (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Eve and Adam(a high-relief woodcarving, 20 x 44 x 3 inches, expressing the wisdom of Human Love over Material Profit. Carved during the COVID-19 pandemic. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Climate Refugees. This acrylic painting on canvas, 27 x 42 inches, depicts refugees fleeing their homeland after it has been devastated. Exhausted, wounded, searching simply for a place to live. Behind them are the endless galaxies of Infinite Space with the Pillars of Creation known to us by the NASA Hubble telescope. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Fishers of Men, acrylic painting on canvas, 30 x 36 inches. I dedicate this painting and poem to all First Responders, all people who are suffering or acting to live in balance with our climate, who strive for the good of others and future generations. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
The Melting North, acrylic painting on canvas, 41 x 33 inches, expresses the reality and denial of what we know, as well as the reality of how we suppress our needed reaction as glaciers melt. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Zacchaeus, acrylic painting on canvas, 33 x 38 inches.The wealthy man who had amassed his wealth through questionable means was welcomed by Jesus as a sign of redemption. Jesus knows his heart is good and offers him forgiveness. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Wounded Dove, acrylic painting on canvas, 41 x 33 inches. A visible metaphor showing how we are damaging “Our Common Home,” Planet Earth. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Beato Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago —oil portrait on canvas, 34 x 26 inches, at Pontifical North American College, Vatican (I was studying art at the Universidad de Puerto Rico in 1961 when Carlos Manuel Rodríguez was also a student there.)
El Jíbaro, an oil portrait on masonite, 16 x 20 inches. Don Pepe O’Neill, my neighbor, represents to me all those who still cultivate the land, living links to our past, sustenance today, and hope for abundance and sustainability in the future. SEE MORE “Portraits of our neighbors” (NOTE: links go to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Ukrainian Mother and Child(acrylic on canvas, 30 x 36 inches, painted shortly after the bombing of Kyiv in 2022. It addresses the Sacred (Love in Peace), contrasted by the Profane (Hate in War). NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text
The Bombing of Ukraine(acrylic on canvas 32 x 38 inches). Because we are witnessing the invasion and bombing of Ukraine, I painted this Glimpse of the Sacred juxtaposed to the Profane. NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text.
Ships of Fools (An acrylic painting on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, and a poem: “We do not know where fools’ ships go, for all they tell are lies…”)
The Fate of Jonah(An acrylic painting on canvas, 26 x 32 inches, and a poem)
Deviled Eggs(An acrylic painting on canvas, 33 x 39 inches, and a poem) NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text
St. Michael Archangel —high relief wood sculpture, 12 x 16 inches. It is an interpretation influenced by the tradition of Russian Orthodox Iconography. Saint Michael the Archangel stares down the evil one, whom he has pinned with his staff. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Deo Gratias / I Give Thanks —serigraph limited edition, 11 x 15 inches (In 2020, this serigraph was published in the book “La ciudad en el tiempo: cinco siglos de representaciones artísticas de San Juan” by the Oficina Estatal de Preservación Histórica, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the founding of San Juan, Puerto Rico. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
Aun hay Magos / There are still Wise Men—serigraph limited edition, 17 x 24 inches, depicting the harmony of work, art, nature, and the celebration of hope in the spirit of Christmas in Puerto Rico. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)Surco Vital / Vital Furrow—serigraph, limited edition, 17 x 24 inches, portrays country life in the hills of Puerto Rico, where oxen and plows are still used to cultivate the earth. It speaks of the spiritual fulfillment attained through working and living in harmony with nature.
Paz / Peace—serigraph limited edition, 13 x 20 inches. In the spirit of praise and celebration, it transports us to Bethlehem and the arrival of the Wise Men, here depicted as the Three Kings, come to adore and pay homage to the true king, the infant Jesus. (NOTE: link goes to bilingual English-Spanish text)
22 Responses
Vonn,
Even as e-mails, your work shows how talented you are. It’s a pleasure to count you and Patty as members of our community and good friends.
I was fortunate to meet your brother many years ago at St Joseph’s Church in New London, Ct. I see him from time to time in and around New London and Niantic, Ct. I remember him being so proud of you and your talent. When I ran into him at the grocery store he was excited to give me this web address so I could admire your work. I am very happy to witness your beautiful works of art, and I am very happy you are still here to express your works, and be able to a part of your on going Christian works.
Thank you Michael! Saint Joseph’s is where it all began for me. The most beautiful Sacred Art and filled with the Faithful. My Brother and I were so Blessed to have such a Family. I’m thankful you’re still here also. Folks forget that Beauty is the language of Love and God speaks it Most Fluently. All of Creation is His and ours to share if only we Care.
God Bless. vonn
Saludos a Don Arturo
y a su distinguida esposa
pareja tan amistosa,
espontánea y sin muro
que dejan ambiente puro
por su amor por Puerto Rico
en arte tan exquisito
por su gente, por su flora
y su fauna que la explora
en el lienzo y en granito.
Saludos Don José …
El encuentro con usted es la prueba de que se encuentra gente interesante en los senderos menos viajados . También me recuerda que si te encuentres con una persona que es un oyente excepcional
con un curioso sentido de inteligencia e interés, puede ser una persona extraordinaria! Así que no fue sorprendente descubrir que, además de la recolección de objetos muy interesantes y curiosos de todo tipo, eres también un autor.
Muchas Gracias por sus palabras bondadosas. Definitivamente intentamos a visitar a Carlos en Vega Alta, tan pronto como lo permita la vida.
Mientras tanto vamos a mantener un ojo agudo para usted si vamos a cualquier lugar interesante en los senderos menos viajados.
Que disfrutes la búsqueda de tesoros y su escritura!
Sus amigos de interés, Arturo y Patricia
Ray. It was also wonderful to see you again and to see the work you and the carvers are doing at the island.
So they have purchased a honing machine and fortunate to still get one.
Looks as I will be back in Aug. Hope to see you then..
Good Carving, God Bless. Vonn
Thank you Vonn for sharing your beautiful Artwork with me — I was so very fortunate to run into your Brother Neil a couple months ago, after loosing track of you for so many years — I was equally concerned to hear of your plight after the devastation from the recent storm(s) that hit Puerto Rico —- I am so glad that you & I have reunited our friendship, and that I got a chance to view your beautiful artwork. — Please know that my prayers for a speedy end to the hardship that you are enduring, are with you and your Family — God Bless you, and please keep in touch ! ————– Jan Miller
Jan, I just became aware of your uplifting post on my website. I’m so glad that you bumped into my brother, that we are back in touch and that you find my artwork inspiring. It was from a very early age that I pursued Catholic Sacred Art. Jesus is the Light of the world! To help bring Him and His saints closer to our brothers and sisters I believe helps to spread that Light. It is wonderful to be in touch with you once again. God Bless you! Vonn
My dear Brother Vonn,
It has been many years, too many years, since we have spoken. Half a life-time has passed since you taught me to cook with Caribbean spices, how to dance, and how to paint. Yet, even after 45 years of no contact- my children know your name, for I have often spoken of you. Such an impression you made on my heart and my soul. I met you in the Factory, in Jamaica Plain, MA when I was young, and you were ageless, and Jorge opened Sociadad Latino. I am most humbled to find you, and discover that you are devoting your life to Christ. Your deep faith is nothing we had ever discussed. I was at that time, at best, a seeker, and in reality a pagan, when we last had concourse. I travelled many years of life through discovery of mysticism and shamanism. But, as you know, Mary always pursues the heart of those who seek truth. She walked with me for many years as my confidant and friend, bringing me step by step, back to her son. I converted, at age 45, to Catholicism, and for the last 11 years have served Christ as an ordained Deacon, in his holy church, in the Arch-Diocese of Boston. I have been over-whelmed to see the on-line images of your art works and by the beauty of your devotion. Recently I was in NYC and visited Linda Whitaker at her sister’s (Roberta aka Alicia) apartment in Manhattan. On display was a collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts you had bequeathed to her- and, of course, we reminisced of the remarkable Vonn. My dear friend, you live on in so many hearts, so many stories, so many moments of revelation. You are a blessing. May the Peace of Christ enfold you. God bless you. Gregory Burch
Brother Gregory !
Your reappearance and message has brought great joy to me.
A wonderful Blessing in this Easter Time.
I have thought of you so many times over the many years that have passed. I wondered of course what life brought to you and how you were doing.
Now I have learned Mother Mary has taken care of you and brought you to her Son and into His Church.
Today is the Feast Day of Saint Mark. Mark was originally pushed away by Saint Paul but Barnabas saw his potential and brought him into the Fold.
So today we have his Gospel !
Deacon Gregory, I can’t wait to talk to you. Please send me your phone number and tell me a time when it is convenient for you to talk.
Your brother in Christ,
vonn
Although the pandemic has separated us physically, we are united together spiritually through Christ and with all our brothers and sisters who, like me, love you and Patty. Thank you for sharing your time and beautiful works of inspiring art with all of us. We have been blessed by our Lord to have such loving people as you and Patty among us. We are all one, big ,happy family!
God Bless you Wilbert! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! You are truly a bright and shining light in all of our lives! May the Lord watch over you always!
un fuerte abrazo from your brother and sister in Christ
Thank you for your inquiry. I do not have outdoor ceramic Via Lucis Stations available. I am an independent artist working on commission, and currently I only sell giclee reproductions on canvas of some of my original works of art. Thank you for your interest in my work.
Hello Arthur, you have very beatiful art, i’m very surprise about your talent. I think my favorite piece it’s the one about the arcangel Miguel hahaha. Les mando un abrazo a ti y a Patricia.
It is always a pleasure to periodically peruse your site because I find ‘hidden’ gems here that show your versatility, talent, and the variety of your subjects. I look forward to your next exhibition.
With all the streaming video footage we are bombarded with daily, I thank you for your contributions to the practice of stopping to contemplate an image, a moment in time, including all its details, with which we can develop meaning and understanding at our own pace, not pushed at the pace of a video camera.
Vonn,
Even as e-mails, your work shows how talented you are. It’s a pleasure to count you and Patty as members of our community and good friends.
Kathy
Beautiful. You are a gift to the Church.
I was fortunate to meet your brother many years ago at St Joseph’s Church in New London, Ct. I see him from time to time in and around New London and Niantic, Ct. I remember him being so proud of you and your talent. When I ran into him at the grocery store he was excited to give me this web address so I could admire your work. I am very happy to witness your beautiful works of art, and I am very happy you are still here to express your works, and be able to a part of your on going Christian works.
Thank you Michael! Saint Joseph’s is where it all began for me. The most beautiful Sacred Art and filled with the Faithful. My Brother and I were so Blessed to have such a Family. I’m thankful you’re still here also. Folks forget that Beauty is the language of Love and God speaks it Most Fluently. All of Creation is His and ours to share if only we Care.
God Bless. vonn
Saludos a Don Arturo
y a su distinguida esposa
pareja tan amistosa,
espontánea y sin muro
que dejan ambiente puro
por su amor por Puerto Rico
en arte tan exquisito
por su gente, por su flora
y su fauna que la explora
en el lienzo y en granito.
Un honor el conocerles.
Saludos Don José …
El encuentro con usted es la prueba de que se encuentra gente interesante en los senderos menos viajados . También me recuerda que si te encuentres con una persona que es un oyente excepcional
con un curioso sentido de inteligencia e interés, puede ser una persona extraordinaria! Así que no fue sorprendente descubrir que, además de la recolección de objetos muy interesantes y curiosos de todo tipo, eres también un autor.
Muchas Gracias por sus palabras bondadosas. Definitivamente intentamos a visitar a Carlos en Vega Alta, tan pronto como lo permita la vida.
Mientras tanto vamos a mantener un ojo agudo para usted si vamos a cualquier lugar interesante en los senderos menos viajados.
Que disfrutes la búsqueda de tesoros y su escritura!
Sus amigos de interés, Arturo y Patricia
Vonn- beautiful work, from one carver to another you are truly a gifted artist, it was so good seeing you again after all these years
Ray. It was also wonderful to see you again and to see the work you and the carvers are doing at the island.
So they have purchased a honing machine and fortunate to still get one.
Looks as I will be back in Aug. Hope to see you then..
Good Carving, God Bless. Vonn
I love your “Lost Sheep”. Our daughter (Seth’s grandaughter) is also pursuing art – she did not get her talent from her parents. To God be the glory!
All of your artwork is amazing and wonderful. You give glory to Him.
Thank you Vonn for sharing your beautiful Artwork with me — I was so very fortunate to run into your Brother Neil a couple months ago, after loosing track of you for so many years — I was equally concerned to hear of your plight after the devastation from the recent storm(s) that hit Puerto Rico —- I am so glad that you & I have reunited our friendship, and that I got a chance to view your beautiful artwork. — Please know that my prayers for a speedy end to the hardship that you are enduring, are with you and your Family — God Bless you, and please keep in touch ! ————– Jan Miller
Jan, I just became aware of your uplifting post on my website. I’m so glad that you bumped into my brother, that we are back in touch and that you find my artwork inspiring. It was from a very early age that I pursued Catholic Sacred Art. Jesus is the Light of the world! To help bring Him and His saints closer to our brothers and sisters I believe helps to spread that Light. It is wonderful to be in touch with you once again. God Bless you! Vonn
Vonn…what can I say …there are no words …Mary V.
My dear Brother Vonn,
It has been many years, too many years, since we have spoken. Half a life-time has passed since you taught me to cook with Caribbean spices, how to dance, and how to paint. Yet, even after 45 years of no contact- my children know your name, for I have often spoken of you. Such an impression you made on my heart and my soul. I met you in the Factory, in Jamaica Plain, MA when I was young, and you were ageless, and Jorge opened Sociadad Latino. I am most humbled to find you, and discover that you are devoting your life to Christ. Your deep faith is nothing we had ever discussed. I was at that time, at best, a seeker, and in reality a pagan, when we last had concourse. I travelled many years of life through discovery of mysticism and shamanism. But, as you know, Mary always pursues the heart of those who seek truth. She walked with me for many years as my confidant and friend, bringing me step by step, back to her son. I converted, at age 45, to Catholicism, and for the last 11 years have served Christ as an ordained Deacon, in his holy church, in the Arch-Diocese of Boston. I have been over-whelmed to see the on-line images of your art works and by the beauty of your devotion. Recently I was in NYC and visited Linda Whitaker at her sister’s (Roberta aka Alicia) apartment in Manhattan. On display was a collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts you had bequeathed to her- and, of course, we reminisced of the remarkable Vonn. My dear friend, you live on in so many hearts, so many stories, so many moments of revelation. You are a blessing. May the Peace of Christ enfold you. God bless you. Gregory Burch
Brother Gregory !
Your reappearance and message has brought great joy to me.
A wonderful Blessing in this Easter Time.
I have thought of you so many times over the many years that have passed. I wondered of course what life brought to you and how you were doing.
Now I have learned Mother Mary has taken care of you and brought you to her Son and into His Church.
Today is the Feast Day of Saint Mark. Mark was originally pushed away by Saint Paul but Barnabas saw his potential and brought him into the Fold.
So today we have his Gospel !
Deacon Gregory, I can’t wait to talk to you. Please send me your phone number and tell me a time when it is convenient for you to talk.
Your brother in Christ,
vonn
Although the pandemic has separated us physically, we are united together spiritually through Christ and with all our brothers and sisters who, like me, love you and Patty. Thank you for sharing your time and beautiful works of inspiring art with all of us. We have been blessed by our Lord to have such loving people as you and Patty among us. We are all one, big ,happy family!
God Bless you Wilbert! Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! You are truly a bright and shining light in all of our lives! May the Lord watch over you always!
un fuerte abrazo from your brother and sister in Christ
Interested in outdoor ceramic Via Lucis Stations
Thank you for your inquiry. I do not have outdoor ceramic Via Lucis Stations available. I am an independent artist working on commission, and currently I only sell giclee reproductions on canvas of some of my original works of art. Thank you for your interest in my work.
Hello Arthur, you have very beatiful art, i’m very surprise about your talent. I think my favorite piece it’s the one about the arcangel Miguel hahaha. Les mando un abrazo a ti y a Patricia.
Thank you Miguel. Yes, that’s a beautiful woodcarving. You have good taste! May St Michael watch over and protect you always ?
It is always a pleasure to periodically peruse your site because I find ‘hidden’ gems here that show your versatility, talent, and the variety of your subjects. I look forward to your next exhibition.
With all the streaming video footage we are bombarded with daily, I thank you for your contributions to the practice of stopping to contemplate an image, a moment in time, including all its details, with which we can develop meaning and understanding at our own pace, not pushed at the pace of a video camera.
You are leaving your mark!