Page 36 - Way of the Cross

Celebrating a Sculptor’s EpicWork
by Felix Carroll
Pontius Pilate sits upon his throne and washes his hands of
the matter. Before him stands a condemned Jesus Christ.
Standing behind Jesus is an intimidating Roman soldier. The
judgment has been passed: death by crucifixion. And so
the journey of the Passion begins, right here on Eden Hill,
near the steps of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy
in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Timothy Schmalz, a classically
trained Canadian artist renowned
for his epic Christian artwork, has
produced more than 50 life-size
bronze sculptures that comprise
the Stations of the Cross on Eden
Hill. The vivid, powerful master-
works — what Timothy calls
“visual prayers” — depict not
only Christ but His followers and tormentors in the last
hours of His life, leading to His crucifixion and burial.
“It takes a great subject to create great art,”Timothy says,
“and there’s no greater subject matter than Jesus Christ.”
Produced over the span of three years in his studio,
the sculptures could individually stand alone as great
works. But when combined, they tell the greatest story ever
told: the story of Jesus, our Merciful Savior, in the act of
redeeming sinful humankind.
“Every time I do a piece that glorifies God, I feel a ful-
fillment that is hard to describe,” says Timothy. Referring to
the Stations project as “personally spiritually enriching,”
Timothy says it was very much a group effort. The facial
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