Benedictine Sculpturing 2

Posted by Illuci (Hurdegaryp, Netherlands) on 12 March 2008 in Art & Design.

When you hammer hard, make sure that you hit the right spot
I once heard this as a quote, but can't remember who has invented it. I find it well applicable to stonemasons and diamond cutters, but it also applies to far-reaching decisions and actions in human life.

The same brother as yesterday. If you see that picture you understand my irritation when people tell me that monks are not useful for society because they close themselves off from it to lead a life in prayer and contemplation. The Benedictine monks do something for a living as you can see. Besides, they open their doors for guests who seek rest and a place for meditation and prayer together with them, and load their batteries this way. They follow the rules of Benedict that serve as a model for leadership in management and hospitality. Their "slogan" is: ORA ET LABORA which means Pray and Work.

Photo with courtesy to the abbey of Benedictusberg, Vaals.

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Comments (10)

e. from New York, NY, United States

It's really neat to see the work come into shape like that.

12 Mar 2008 12:19am

ajoeh from Mataram, Indonesia

and they use modern tools which is far from 'contemplation place' image:)

12 Mar 2008 3:23am

@ajoeh: Yes you are right! But they have to keep up with competition, for, as I said, they do it for a living. If they would use a hammer instead, then their work would become too expensive for it would take twice or three times longer to make such a sculpture. It's not an artist's atelier but a regular mason workshop.

ManuelaR from Hainburg, Germany

As you said, no room for mistakes here... admire their talent, really!

12 Mar 2008 3:58am

chris chisu from Seattle, United States

You really got a good environmental portrait here. I will pay them a visit if i ever find myself visiting those beautiful places.

12 Mar 2008 6:58am

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

I think the Brother is the kind of man who prays and works with the same dedication. I can see it in his posture in spite of your presence in the workshop.

12 Mar 2008 10:03am