Eyes of the Heart
Description
In this first book to explore photography as a spiritual practice from a Christian perspective, Christine Valters Paintner builds on the process of contemplative creativity she introduced online at Abbey of the Arts and in her book The Artist’s Rule. She considers how a camera can help readers open “the eyes of the heart.”
More than a book on photographic technique, Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice is about cultivating photography as a spiritual practice. Adapting the monastic practice of lectio divina (sacred reading) into a form of visio divina (sacred seeing), spiritual director and Benedictine oblate Christine Valters Paintner invites readers to a new way of viewing the world—through the lens of a camera. Paintner guides readers through six themes connecting the medium of photography with the Christian spiritual life. Each theme provides a photographic journey in which the reader does not simply take images, but receives images and learns to see with “the eyes of the heart” (Eph 1:18). Photos by the author are included.
Product Details
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“Intimate encounter with divinity.”
“Eyes of the Heart is more than a celebration of God’s presence in the world. It is itself an experience of receiving the Divine directly within. Paintner’s insights and exercises lead the reader to a personal, intimate encounter with divinity. In the process, she also illuminates the way to self-understanding and creative serenity.”
Anthony F. Chiffolo
Author of 100 Names of Mary -
“A spirituality of photography.”
“Christine Valters Paintner explores the eye as a window to the heart. Using scripture and observations from thinkers in all faiths she offers a spirituality of photography as writing with light. This monk, photographer-artist, and writer combines the art of image receiving with visio divina, taking us through a detailed program for the feeling, reflecting, and completion of our heart’s vision.”
Br. John J. O’ Hara, S.A.
Graymoor Spiritual Life Center -
“Like entering a garden in full bloom.”
“Opening Christine Paintner’s Eyes of the Heart is like entering a garden in full bloom. It opens up all your senses so you see, smell, taste, and touch the world in a whole new way. This modern-day monk knows the essential secrets to sacred living and joyful being and she shares them freely.”
Jan Phillips
Author of No Ordinary Time