"The Saint John's Bible" is a remarkable, gorgeous representation of an ancient technique of rendering sacred text -- written by hand and "illuminated" with fine art.
Here's a partial description: "The Saint John's Bible is the first handwritten, hand illuminated Bible in more than 500 years. Under the artistic direction of Donald Jackson, M.V.O., one of the world's foremost calligraphers and Senior Illuminator to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Crown Office at the House of Lords, The Saint John's Bible was commissioned by the Benedictine monks of Saint John's Abbey and University in Minnesota, U.S., to ignite the spiritual imagination of believers throughout the world and to illuminate the word of God for a new millennium."
What effect does engaging in such a process have on those who undertake or undertook it? And what effect on those of us who have the opportunity to hold in hand and read such texts?
Kristin,
I just linked to your post in my own blog about St John's Abbey and lay monasticism.
I also just saw your latest post about the Coen brother's film. They are my favorites also, and the Book of Job will be quite a subject. Can't wait.
I'm eager to hear what you think, when you see it! Just yesterday, there was a thought-provoking article in the NYT about the Judaism of both A Serious Man and Inglourious Basterds. Here's the link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/movies/04scot.html.
I began collecting rare Bibles, manuscripts, & writings of cultures from various periods for this very reason. Unlike other forms of art that lack written words, I'm particularly fascinated by art that includes them; & things with words not originally intended as works of art, yet which became just as precious as the years passed.