ARTISTRY and EXCELLENCE

The artistic excellence in this Nativity is due to two studios on opposite sides of the Earth, Demetz in Italy, and Tony Johansen in Sydney.

The family business of Demetz has it's origin in the 19th century Italian  Alps. They were fine wood carvers who settled where the Linden tree grows, as that is the best wood for carving. Four generations and 10,000 sculptures later they are still making the finest ecclesiastical sculpture at their studio near the Alps.

They made a risen Christ sculpture that is the largest such sculpture ever made at 9 metres x 6 metres. and is in the Basilica of Colle Don Bosco near Turin.

The beautiful subtlety of their figures can be seen in some of the Photo album photos at left. The figures you see were made especially for this outdoor Nativity in Sydney, and is the first time Demetz Nativity figures have been placed in an outdoor summer setting.

Tony Johansen created the artistry of the 'new dawn' paintings and the dramatic lighting seen to advantage at night.
Innocence' which depicts Adam at the time of the fall has been exhibited in the Art Gallery of NSW during the Wynne Prize exhibition. Tony's work encompasses a wide range of realistic figures from mythological reinterpretations to portraits.

Lately his attention has been directed more and more at online artistry and the new cyber world opening up. On the other hand he appreciates the opportunity to work for the Church like his Renaissance heroes. Two of Tony's sons attend the Cathedral College.

'Icarus' and a self portrait are pictured. Photos of the Nativity paintings and explanations of the meanings are found in the post below.  More of Tony's work can be found at www.tonyjohansen.com