Junior Elizabeth Kuss ’24 recently illustrated a book called Antonio’s Questions, which teaches the art of Catholic meditative prayer to children. The book is Kuss’ first, providing her with the opportunity to pass on the graces that she has received at Christendom and elsewhere to others in a unique, powerful way.
Kuss, who hails from San Diego, California, has been studying and practicing art for years, including during her time at Christendom. When offered the opportunity to illustrate a Catholic chapter book, she jumped at the opportunity.
“This book is a unique work because it easily whets the appetite for prayer,” says Kuss. “Imagination is an internal sense power of the human soul, as I learned from reading Thomas Aquinas at Christendom. How often do we use our imagination when we are praying? Instead of letting our restless imagination distract us from prayer, we can engage our imagination to create an exclusive space for God, so that we might hear His voice in prayer. While simple enough for children, this book is profound enough for adults to enjoy. I certainly plan to give this book to friends, especially friends with young families, as a gift this Christmas.”
Antonio’s Questions, written by teacher and writer Patricia Mendoza, is a chapter book that teaches the art of Catholic meditative prayer. Under the guidance of a wise priest, the boy Antonio uses his youthful imagination to bring the Faith to life. By painting vivid mental pictures of the Nativity, Christ’s presence in the Eucharist, and even the mountains he sees in nature, Antonio arrives at a deeper understanding of the Faith.
The book features cover art from Kuss and illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. When working on the project, Kuss turned to her family, nature, and her own photography to inspire her work, resulting in illustrations that have deepened her faith — and hopefully the faith of others as well.
“Illustrating a book is a fascinating process – I scoured the internet and took plenty of photos for my drawing ideas,” says Kuss. “My family members helped to model some of the illustrations. I even drove to a park to take pictures of olive trees for the chapter about Christ’s agony in the Garden. For one chapter illustration, the author asked me to depict all the priests of the world offering Mass together. After drawing so many pairs of hands raising the Eucharist, I sometimes think back to this illustration during the consecration at Mass.”
Kuss, like other Christendom alumni before her, sees a strong connection between her illustrating and her Christendom experience. While the college does not offer a fine arts degree, it offers numerous opportunities to study and learn more about art within the college’s Catholic liberal arts curriculum. These studies, both in and outside of the classroom, have inspired her art, giving her the encouragement to continue pursuing it both now and after college.
“Like illustrating Antonio’s Questions, pursuing a liberal arts degree at Christendom is a special project for the Faith and a gateway for enormous grace,” concludes Kuss. “While I might not immediately see or feel these graces while drawing chapter illustrations or studying for philosophy exams, I am certain that graces from these endeavors will continually manifest themselves throughout my life. Through my education and my illustrations, I hope to pass on the graces I have received to others in continuation of Christendom’s mission to restore all things in Christ.”
Kuss is not alone in becoming a successful artist following studying at Christendom. Alumnus Ben Hatke ’00 is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator, whose acclaimed works include the Zita the Spacegirl trilogy and the Eisner Award-winning Little Robot. Alumna Mandy Hain ’06 is an acclaimed artist as well, drawing and painting Icons, large scale murals, liturgical design, and more – including work on Christendom’s new Christ the King Chapel. Alumna Julie Wells ’15 has also illustrated numerous children’s books, using her gifts to uplift and inspire others. Kuss now joins their ranks, with more beautiful art on the way.
To purchase Kuss’ work just in time for Christmas, visit here.