Gold Coast-based sculptor Linda Klarfeld is gifting eight original sculptures from her personal collection to Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary, Banyo, where they would inspire the next generation of Brisbane’s priests. Source: The Catholic Leader.
The donated collection includes eight sculptures ranging from 30-centimetre maquettes – such as a model of St John Paul II – to a life-size statue of the Risen Christ with arms outstretched.
Ms Klarfeld said placing the collection at the seminary ensured the artwork would serve a spiritual purpose for future priests and the public.
“I just want them to be inspired,” she said.
Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay and seminary rector Fr Neil Muir visited Ms Klarfeld recently to see the sculptures and bless her Southport-based studio.
Archbishop Mackinlay said the sculptures were “beautiful” and “tangible reminders of central elements and figures of our Christians tradition”.
“I am confident that they will make a lasting contribution to future generations of seminarians by inspiring prayer, deepening faith and encouraging generosity,” he said.
For Ms Klarfeld, 48, who has built a 30-year career creating public monuments and religious art, the donation represents a homecoming for works treasured in private.
She said some, like the Risen Christ, she has had since she was 27 years old.
“I’ve kept them all this time because I like the work,” she said.
The significance of the archbishop’s visit was not lost on Ms Klarfeld, saying it was “such an amazing experience” and meaningful for everyone involved.
Ms Klarfeld’s path to sculpting was carved out of her connection to her birth-country.
Born in communist Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, Ms Klarfeld spent her early years in a society where religion was outlawed and punishable by imprisonment.
Her family fled to Australia as political refugees when she was four years old.
A solo trip back to Prague at age 17 ignited her artistic passion.
Struck by the statues adorning every building, cathedral and corner of the Czech capital, she returned to Australia determined to dedicate herself to sculpting, completing a seven-year apprenticeship.
Today, religious commissions account for more than 50 per cent of work.
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Renowned sculptor donates eight originals to Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
