News & Articles

World-Renowned Artists Speak to Pacifica Students

February 22nd, 2022

Pacifica Fine Art students were delighted to meet with and learn from two extraordinary Danish artists, Peter Brandes and Maja Lisa Engelhardt. A married couple from Denmark, Brandes and Englehardt are world renowned for their work restoring and beautifying Danish churches. Additionally, Brandes holds the world record for creating the largest ceramic vessels in history, and Englehardt is highly regarded as an abstract painter, glass and textile artist, and sculptor.

Both artists are deeply liturgical. They make sacred objects in stained glass, painted altarpieces, floor coverings, mosaics, vestments, and metal work; anything one might use to fill a church. Some notable examples of their work in local spaces include the communion table and implements at RedeemerOC, the stained glass, bronze freezes, and design of the library at St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon, and their first ever collaborative work, the newly refurbished Calvary Chapel at Biola University.

The couple spoke today with Pacifica’s fine art students about life as artists, the creative process, sacred art, working for oneself versus working on commissioned pieces, as well as the objectivity of beauty. Students watched a video of Maja Lisa at work in her studio in Denmark, as well as received a hands on demonstration of Peter’s process for making innovations in stained glass. We were deeply touched, blessed, and encouraged by their time with our community today.

We invite you to view MajaLisa'svideohere.

With love and prayers,

David O'Neil
Head of School