I like the idea of saints, those haloed helpers for every imaginable problem.

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These little paintings are inspired by the prayer cards I find left on the seats of my local bus by the evangelically-minded. I’ve done them in earth tones on a baroque blue background, and added a pewter metallic halo to each one.

I’ve replaced the ecstatic expressions of traditional paintings with more human ones of irritation and recrimination, and maybe annoyance at being turned into a symbol.

The paintings of three saints – St. Agnes of Rome, St. Sebastian, St. Peter of Verona – are $150 each, or $400 for the triptych.

They will be featured in the Super Holy Show at the Super Wonder Gallery (876 Bloor St. W, Toronto) this Friday and Saturday night.

St. Sebastian. Acrylic on canvas, 5'x7"

St. Sebastian. Acrylic on canvas, 5’x7″

St. Peter of Verona. Acrylic on canvas, 5'x7"

St. Peter of Verona. Acrylic on canvas, 5’x7″

St. Agnes of Rome. Acrylic on canvas, 5'x7"

St. Agnes of Rome. Acrylic on canvas, 5’x7″