This is My Body: A Conversation with the Artist
Have you ever seen a painting of the iconic Last Supper of Christ and His disciples and wondered what the artist was trying to say? Maybe you’ve been struck by an Old Master’s painting of the Renaissance Era. Or maybe you caught wind of the Olympic mockery and felt a painful dissonance. The purpose of beauty is to share the truth of our faith!
During the Renaissance, artists created art for viewers in their own time. They used compositions, colors, and compositions to communicate a meaning. How do you reimagine an iconic moment of art history, like the last supper? Especially for a moment so pivotal to what it means to be Christian?
Kate unpacks these questions about her piece, This is My Body, in what it was like to co-create this piece for a 21st-century viewer.
Where do you even start with a concept as iconic as The Last Supper?
I felt called to be very clear with what this moment entails, fully. Praying with what key part to make prominent to first build the composition was where I began to help do just that. I asked, “What is needed today?” There are many Last Supper renditions, and each shows a different angle that help us understand it better. I had to ask, “what is it that God wants to help us know today and how can I help share it visibly for others?” Today, many don’t believe in the true presence of the Eucharist, sadly. It was pressed deep on my heart to help others see the divine truth that Jesus is truly offering his body in the Last supper, that we may become one with Him.
What was your painting process like for this work?
After much prayer and finalizing the composition sketches, I found real models to create references from. So I gathered 13 men (I had an angel as well!) all into one space and put them in their garments with the correct lighting and objects etc.
From there, I stretch my own linen canvas and begin painting with oil paints. It takes several months to build layer by layer with the technique I was trained in. I have a warm color at the base to help the whole painting feel that warm glow and it’s kind of like sculpting with paint bit by bit until the final work is before you. Every step requires a prayerful letting go and asking God to be the main artist.
What was the most fun part of creating this painting?
It was a lot of fun to paint the Angel. I wanted him to be flying, so we had the model up on a ladder. We played with the fabric to make him appear to be in the air to create a decent reference to paint from. This caused for some fun moments during the model session, for sure.
What is your favorite aspect of this painting?
I love that it has a very deep message and that Jesus is looking into our hearts with His gaze.
As the viewer, we too are being gifted with the best gift we could ever be offered – His precious body and blood broken for us.
I also loved having the crucifixion scene in it!
What was the most difficult part about painting your Last Supper painting, This is my Body?
Gathering all the models together at once!! Getting the right 13 men into one space at the same time took quite a while! God definitely helped me navigate that, and eventually I was able to find the right group and get them all together after several months of planning.
What’s happening in the top right corner? What led you to include this scene?
First, I wanted to really push the fact that it’s Jesus true body and blood that He was offering at the last supper, not “ symbolically” but real. So, outside of time, you see the crucifixion scene to help recall or learn anew the connection between these moments.
As Christ raises the host up, His body was raised on the cross. As the chalice was filled with wine, His blood was shed for all of us. It’s a subtle reminder, but also a big one that is very much needed today.
Second, I wanted to have Mary a part of this painting, as she too was a part of this offering of Christ in so many ways. Having her catch the blood of Christ is a way to help us see the great sacrifice she too made as His mother.
What is the apostle on Jesus’ right side holding in his hand?
It is a scroll of the old testament. It shows us how Jesus fulfills the old testament, and that everything taking place at the last supper has powerful meaning.
Did you have any key inspirations for this?
Yes! The book Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre was a powerful base that I began with it, and it helped inspire some poignant symbols. Also, the Theology of the Body by JP2 was another key inspiration for this work.
There’s so much rich symbolism for me to sit with and pray over – what’s one insight you might give to prompt a time of Visio Divina?
Look well. See the small details, the expressions, the colors, and recognize they are all speaking something very important to help express the whole message being portrayed. From there, ask God to help your heart receive what He wants you to receive about this moment now fully.
The next time you see an image of the Last Supper, notice what the artist is communicating! How does each element of the composition come together? What do the expressions, colors, and details say? Look with the eyes of faith. Beauty is always at work to reveal truth to open hearts!
We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Kate’s process as a Catholic sacred artist. What questions do you still have? Kate would love to answer in the comments below!
Exciting shop news!
This is My Body can now be found in beautiful, limited edition items to enrich your prayer life!
You can also find Kate’s last supper painting in multiple sizes in the shop!
Kate Capato
Kate is a Sacred Art Painter, Inspirational Speaker, and Faith-filled Movement artist on a mission to spread God's love through beauty! Her inspiration comes from prayerful encounters with the Lord, and the rich traditions of our Catholic faith. When she's not creating something faith inspired, Kate is often traveling all over the world with her hubby soaking in the wonders of God's creation, or spending time with family and friends to live every moment to the fullest. To see her work, visit her portfolio below and share in this mission of spreading truth and goodness.
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All work is the sole property of Katelyn Capato and may not be used or reproduced in any way without permission.