Scarlet Stains

Scarlet stains on the arches of this beautiful San Miguel Mission so clearly reveal the nature of human frailty within the sanctity of life. The recent scandals of the pedophilia and subsequent cover ups have rocked the church, horrified its faithful and evoked scorn among the secular.

The centuries old institution in its many forms will likely endure. The nature of human frailty will remain mired in self absorption and cruelty and require the external absolution delivered by an institution larger than the individual. What individual could ever forgive themselves for the horror these men delivered unto the trusting children under their care? It requires a presence larger than life; a presence based on faith for no experience allows for the absolution of this type of transgression. When I view Frank Gardner's painting of this mission it is as if I am viewing one of the icons depicting miracles; like the statue of the Virgin with tears of blood, the church is stained with the blood of innocents and yet basks in the miracle & beauty of a Mexican sunlight, dappled & pleasant in the high mountain mesa air. This lovely work can be seen at M Gallery of Fine Art 16 S Palm Avenue in Sarasota FL or on the web at www.mgalleryoffineart.com