CULTURE TUESDAY - Art and Prayer - Karolina Stolarska

This week, Helena Judd has the privilege of hosting Karolina Stolarska, an inspiring voice in the realm of faith and creativity. Karolina will delve into the profound connection between the creation of art and the practice of prayer, a topic that promises to resonate with many. In her conversation, Karolina highlights a poignant reality: the modern-day neglect of diverse prayer practices, particularly those involving our imaginations. She points out that while there are Catholic Bible/art journaling groups and numerous creative Catholic women online, these communities often appear niche. Art and prayer can sometimes be seen as separate hobbies or professional pursuits, rather than integrated methods of reflecting on and expressing our faith. Karolina shares her experiences of organizing events like the “Creative Spirit” exhibition in Northampton, where professional and amateur artists showcased their works as testimonies of faith. This event, featuring workshops open to all, was a testament to how art can engage and deepen one’s faith journey. A significant barrier Karolina addresses is the common misconception that art workshops are only for the artistically talented. Many adults shy away from participating, fearing they lack the necessary skills or experience. However, as Karolina astutely notes, everyone sings during Mass, despite varying levels of musical ability. Singing is often referred to as praying twice, so why not extend this concept to visual expression? She advocates for spontaneous visual expression as a natural and enriching form of prayer, akin to written spiritual journals or verbal sharing in prayer groups. Her message is clear: art is for everyone, and it can be a powerful medium for spiritual reflection and expression. ABOUT KAROLINA STOLARSKA Karolina Stolarska’s journey is a testament to the harmonious blend of art, philosophy, and faith. With a BA in Philosophy and Theology and an MA in Philosophy of Religion, her academic background is complemented by a deep passion for visual art, formally studied up to GCSE level. Her extensive visits to exhibitions in London and abroad have further enriched her artistic perspective. Her pursuit of art’s expressive and therapeutic potential led her to obtain a Foundation Certificate in Art Therapy. However, Karolina felt a crucial element was missing: the spiritual dimension. Inspired by Sarah de Nordwall, who led a group for Catholic creatives, and Sr Sheila Gosney, a nun who integrated art into days of reflection, Karolina embarked on a mission to fuse art with spiritual healing, guided by Catholic teachings. Karolina’s personal journey of integrating faith with her life and emotional experiences found its key through creating art in response to Scripture and spiritual readings. Her workshops aim to offer this transformative practice to others, making it simple and accessible. To learn more about Karolina Stolarska and her upcoming workshops, visit her website: https://karolinastolarska.wordpress.com/ Don’t miss this insightful episode of Culture Tuesday on 16th July at 9 PM. Tune in to explore how art and prayer can come together in a beautiful and meaningful way. The podcast will be available below once published.