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Illustrating by the Grace of God

Interview with American artist Bernadette Carstensen about her divine works.
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Illustrating by the Grace of God
Illustrator Bernadette Carstensen paints Mary, the immaculate Virgin, as the centerpiece of her triptych “St. John’s Revelation.” Courtesy of Bernadette Carstensen
Lorraine Ferrier
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San Francisco-based illustrator Bernadette Carstensen paints sacred stories that transcend language. Many of her works have been ecclesiastical commissions. However, it’s a career path that she didn’t intend to take.

Growing up in Circleville, Ohio (25 miles south of Columbus), she had set her heart on becoming a book illustrator. Her parents, both art majors, had filled the family home with exquisite art and books full of adventures illustrated by the likes of English book illustrator Arthur Rackham (1867–1939). These artists brought the stories to life, and she fully intended to follow in their footsteps.

Lorraine Ferrier
Lorraine Ferrier
Author
Lorraine Ferrier writes about fine arts and craftsmanship for The Epoch Times. She focuses on artists and artisans, primarily in North America and Europe, who imbue their works with beauty and traditional values. She's especially interested in giving a voice to the rare and lesser-known arts and crafts, in the hope that we can preserve our traditional art heritage. She lives and writes in a London suburb, in England.
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