Probably religious life is somehow perceived by people as a very set and rigid life, far from an activity free and liberating as art.
Since I was young, I have been attracted to art. I used to paint and work on my canvases when I lived in a small town in Brazil. I came to Italy following my passion for art but my artistic process was interrupted because of my conversion, when I felt the desire to live spirituality more radically.
For a long time, I didn’t paint anymore, because the activity was not compatible with life in a convent. I was very busy with my studies in theology.
However, I discovered again how art is a vital space in my life.
I began to work on the material through restoration; then again to paint and express myself through this language. Gradually my artistic works became part of my daily life as a Franciscan friar. The sales proceeds go to development projects for children in need, all over the world.
I believe that the inner unity between religious and artistic identities is the result of a search for balance, that is not always easy to achieve, but that I practice daily for about fifteen years.
It’s important for me to have inner freedom when I work.
I need patience in my work, which is a state of mind not well tolerated by contemporary man, always connected and getting used to "everything right away."
Time is often perceived as a "tyrant," but today I know that my work would be very complicated, or impossible if I were in a hurry because my artistic works need a very long time.
Sidival Fila
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