Michael Monti Parise, a Catholic priest since 1979, is pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Billerica, Massachusetts. Since 1996 Michael has found expression for his passion for life through the medium of acrylics on canvas, APainting is a reflection of creation, a sign of God=s love for humankind. My pastoral ministry, an extension of that love, inspires me. Also, my passion for Western art and architecture reverberates on my canvases; Michelangelo's bold figural art and Picasso's abstracted forms and hues are often my starting points.@
In a major work of design, Michael undertook the restoration of St. Andrew Parish, Billerica in 2001. The challenge was to bring back the interior proportions and vivid hues appropriate to this historic 1920 Bavarian baroque edifice and its magnificent German stained glass. The harmony of structure, color and texture in the restored church give witness to the success of this effort.
In addition to his pastoral work, Michael is a professor of English Writing at the Urban College of Boston. His priestly ministry includes teaching and counseling. Michael is also the author of a number of books, pamphlets, and articles. He displays his paintings on his website: www.parisepaintings.com
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Painting is an extension of my thoughts and feelings, which change and evolve every day. Opposing parts of life collide and are revealed on the canvas. Painting uncovers the struggle to integrate the joy of trying to minister to others’ needs, and the pain of feeling entirely inadequate to do so. My earliest works are inspired by the Impressionists Monet and Van Gogh and represent memorable objects, places and events. They are composed in a straight-forward way, using color and composition to enshrine the impact of the image.
Impressionism soon gave way to abstraction in order better to express the depth of grief, sacrifice, healing, and new life in human experience, often expressed in religious/spiritual themes. Death and life, conflict and resolution, wounding and healing, vision and darkness, sorrow and joy, are central to this body of work.
The "Man Emerging" conveys the longing for intimacy, self-respect, empowerment, dignity and personal integration. The muscular beauty and strength of the male body stands in contrast to its vulnerability. These are truly men-in-tension. They express the ambiguity between how we present ourselves publically and the mystery of our private yearnings. Our need for intimacy, warmth and human connection is often thwarted by "labels" and fear, yet we become our truest selves through love and acceptance of friends and community.
