“I have a complicated history with the Almighty.”
Vanessa Ives
Relics, Roses & Reclamation
I was first introduced to this bit of history at the Antique Annex in Omaha’s Old Market area in 2021. A few pieces were missing and it needed love and care. It was also large, heavy, and would be difficult to transport without damaging it further. However, I was drawn to its beautiful brokenness and whenever I was in Omaha, I wandered in to see if it was still there.
Before my visit on a drizzly day in August 2023, I told myself if the altar was still there, I would take it home with me. It was. And I did! This would be my first attempt at preservation on a larger scale and I was excited to begin.
I was told by the shop owner that this one-of-a-kind find probably originated in a Catholic Church in Duluth, Minnesota and was brought to Omaha, Nebraska by David Shaw, a curator of antiques and fine art. So, that’s the creative theme I chose to follow, and the rest fell into place.
Not an expert in historic preservation, I did my best to mend the broken pieces using Dap Kwik Seal Adhesive Caulk® and small nails. I also used E6000® Adhesive to reattach the smaller details that had fallen off. I then disguised the “wounds” and other damaged spots with carefully mixed acrylic paint. To add depth, I used Golden® Fluid Acrylic paint washes on the entire altar, alternating between three different muted colors: Micaceous Iron Oxide, Van Dyke Brown Hue, and Nickel Azo Yellow.
The main crucifix had been in my collection for a few years. Having found it in a secondhand store, I gave it a much-needed refresh before attaching it as the focal point to the main alcove. The mini crucifix was discovered in an artist studio in Oaxaca, Mexico. The black candles hint at a warm glow of candles burning in a church. But please don’t light these – for obvious reasons! The splash of crimson was inspired by a page in my art journal that included a photo of a bouquet of roses, taken long ago. Real roses don’t last long, so I purchased wood roses which are surprisingly vibrant in color. The roses are removable, along with several other surprises living in the smaller alcoves of the altar.
Thank you for your interest in this project. I truly enjoyed working with this theme and will no doubt be adding to it over time.
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The Altered Altar Collection
In addition to the Altered Altar, this collection includes “Two Sisters” a suspicious looking monk (“Red Right Hand”) and my “Who By Fire” and “Church of Your Heart” collages. Each is created from a selection of oddities I have had the privilege of collecting over the years.
Questions? E-mail Carmen@StrangeFarmGirl.com
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Kyrie Eleison
$35.00 Add to cart -
Sold
You Can Run – Skull
$35.00 Read more -
Unchain My Heart
$45.00 Add to cart -
Church of Your Heart
$55.00 Add to cart -
Who By Fire
$55.00 Add to cart -
Red Right Hand
$65.00 Add to cart -
Two Sisters
$76.00 Add to cart -
Her Heart
$85.00 Add to cart -
Altered Altar
$4,995.00 Add to cart
When creating an artsy collection, I like to assemble and listen to a themed playlist for inspiration.
If you have the Spotify app, you can click on the image below or search “Strange Farm Girl” to find my Altered Altar playlist.
Now let’s talk about you. Do you have a unique, artsy collection? Do you want to start one? If yes, what is your inspiration? There’s inspiration everywhere! To let me know what you’re working on, drop me an e-mail at Carmen@StrangeFarmGirl.com. I look forward to hearing from you!