This Sounds Promising

A new Catholic art show hosted by the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts’ artist-in-residence, David Clayton, is now available for download here.

Entitled “The Way of Beauty,” this 13-part series examines Catholic traditions in art and how the styles of these traditions relate directly to the liturgy, theology, and philosophy of the Church. A new full-length episode of Way of Beauty will be added to CatholicTV’s website each week.

David Clayton launched the Way of Beauty Program at the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in 2008 to renew in artists, aspiring artists, and the general public an appreciation for the Catholic traditions in art and architecture. The Way of Beauty Program includes a series of courses offered as part of the core curriculum at Thomas More College, as well as lectures, workshops, and seminars hosted throughout the country.

The Way of Beauty Program has now added a television show to its already impressive array of educational outreach efforts.

“In this television series I explore the Catholic traditions in art, as well as the theological principles behind them,” said Clayton. “Viewers will be led to a greater understanding of the principles of harmony and proportion that are infused in the work of the old Masters.”

“Christian culture, like classical culture before it, was patterned after the cosmic order, whose unifying principles run through every discipline,” continued Clayton. “Literature, art, music, architecture, philosophy—all of creation and, potentially, all human activity—are bound together by this common harmony and receive their fullest meaning in the rhythms and patterns of the Church’s liturgy.”

“The principles of beauty are applicable to all aspects of daily life, including business, the academy—indeed, in all areas of human engagement.” said Clayton. “This is the via pulchritudinis—the way of beauty—that Pope Benedict has spoken of as the most attractive path to God.”

Since coming to Thomas More College in early 2009, Clayton’s Way of Beauty Program has become widely popular. In addition to his TV and teaching commitments, he writes about sacred art for the New Liturgical Movement web site and posts regularly on his own blog, www.TheWayofBeauty.org, where readership has skyrocketed since its release in April 2010.

“I have very much enjoyed working with Catholic TV on the Way of Beauty television program – it has been quite a learning experience for me,” said Clayton. “I am hoping that the series will help to publicize further these important ideas and work toward the renewal of Catholic art and, by extension, the evangelization of culture.”