Book 18: Patterns of Praise by Sister Helena Steffens-Meier SSSF

I studied art therapy at Alverno College in the 00's, Sister Helena's work was scattered across campus but rarely commented on. At that time I was very anti-Christian, first obsessed with Wicca and then taking a break from spirituality altogether. I needed distance from my mother and her church before I could understand the difference between other Christians and her (I wasn't aware that's what I was doing at the time). So even though I was surrounded by Sr Helena's work and now it's obvious to see it's artistic impact on me, I was not a fan at the time. Only after sufficient distance & healing, and then returning to Catholicism on my own terms could I fully appreciate her artwork. 

Although she played a large role in the art scene in Milwaukee throughout the 20th century, most people have never heard of her. This book was on my wish list for a decade before an inexpensive copy was available a few weeks ago! The only reason I knew this book existed was from trying to learn more about Sr. Helena many years ago and the Amazon listing was among few Google results. I revisited my alma mater a year ago and the copy and the library there was the only physical copy I had ever seen - I slowly read it and then just sat with it for a long time in gratitude. Having my own copy now is wonderful, especially as I delve more into the artworks of women religious. 


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126723062-patterns-of-praise

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