The God Damned Catholic Church—Triptych Artist’s Statement—-Carol Spong

These paintings express my conflicts with the Catholic Church. They communicate my pain and frustration as a feminist and a life-long Catholic woman trying to live in a church that is misogynistic and rife with unrealistic and punitive rules.

The work is autobiographical and was produced as a result of work done in the Mary Magdalene Apostle Catholic Community, staffed by women priests. In the report sent to the community, the following sentence is the impetus for this work. “The Community Leadership Council feels that it is helpful to acknowledge that the loss of possibility and hope that many experienced after Vatican II is an ONGOING source of disappointment and spiritual loss. (Some might call it spiritual trauma.)”

As I sat before the blank canvas, increasingly sad, hopeless, and angry feelings arose. The first two canvases came to life then. The third canvas came as I reflected on “what happened after the Hell No!”

I chose materials (acrylic paint, felt tip pens, a cut up Apostolic Blessing) that allowed me to work quickly. The symbolism of the destroyed Apostolic Blessing is indicative of my fury with the arrogance and hypocrisy of the institutional church.

This process was undertaken to bring some healing and resolution to wounds that I have been carrying for decades. It has helped.  I hope others who view these paintings will know they are not alone and will feel “seen.” There are many paths…..

Thank you for your attention.

Carol Spong

Timed Sketch – charcoal, 21”w x 29”h