The series, “Exceptional Holiness” was inspired by growing up Roman Catholic and having a fascination with religious art. The work is a modern take on traditional Roman Catholic Saint cards, drawing inspiration from tchotchke style religious art such as hologram last suppers and light-up Virgin Marys'. I approach this work using a similar style where saints and holiness were portrayed, but also adding political and social elements to explore what modern holiness might look like.
Images by Eileen Clynes. All rights reserved.
28 B.C. (Birth Control)
O Blessed Saint Ortho! With the grace
of God you are a powerful advocate for women
and the Patron Saint of restoration for a
woman’s choice. To you I turn today as I enter
my menstrual cycle with heartfelt confidence.
O Blessed Saint Ortho! Please enlighten those
with political and religious agendas who wish to
control my right to take birth control.
Amen
Patron Saint Of Vitality
O Saint Stephanie! Always keep my spirits high and joyful
as I experience life. Energize my every movement with your
airy light and happiness. Let your joy and smiles fill my
heart every moment of my days until my last breath.
Amen.
Patron Saint of the Drunken Irishmen
O lovely Saint O’Brien, you were especially favored
by the drunken Irishmen to guide them through a rough
night with thy bottle. May you always keep thy spirit high and
thy judgement clear.
Amen
Saint Mary Magdalene, woman of many sins, you hold the key to the secrets and mysteries in life. You are witness that there is forgiveness through the miracle of love. Please guide me to live free from others judgement and stay true to thyself
Amen
The Patroness of Breast Cancer
O Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr,
Mercifully grant that we, who honor your sacrifice,
may receive your prayer.
Please lay thee hands on thy mammary glands
and rid thy body of this darkness that breeds inside
Amen
Patron Saint of Soldiers
My Dear Saint Sebastian,
As the bullets fly by and dance upon thy chest,
free thy soul from this senseless war
and lay thy body gently to rest.
Amen
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me
Thy rifle and thy trigger, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies;
Thou annoint my car with oil; My cup runneth over.
Amen.
Patron Saint of Taking Care of Business
I will strike a chord down upon thee with great
gyration and furious anger on those who attempt to step on my
blue suede shoes. And you will know my name is the King
when I lay my rock upon you!
Amen.
O most holy heart, pure in blessing, light, and love.
Keep me humble, patient, pure, and whole as I walk
through the daily tolls of life. Protect my natural
intuition in the midst of dangerous logic. Comfort me in thy
afflictions so I do not wallow in them for long.
Give me health of body, assistance in my path, your
blessing on all that I do, and the grace to pass on
this purest of love to others.
Amen.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
O Mexican Madonna, our Mystical rose you light up our lives.
Please hear our prayers and petitions. Help all those
who invoke you with their necessities. Maintain the
integrity of light and keep safe the greatest love
shared inthe world.
Amen.
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy!
O blessed Mary, you weep tears of blood to a world
in need of change. May your strength bring peace, love, and
hope to those mourning in the valley of exile.
Amen.
Patron Saint of Vision
Dear Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, thy once was blind but now can see
Your loving, guiding light shine down thy clouded vision. Now and always,
please guide me through thy journey.
Amen.
Dear Sweet Patron Saint,
I implore thee in the name of the Vicar of Lancashire
to intercede on thy behalf and guide me in the mire
As thy vision clears, now I know how Joan of Arc felt,
As the flames rose to her roman nose
and her Walkman started to melt.
Amen
Patron Saint of Photography
O Saint Veronica! With image of Jesus in hand,
you were chosen to be a special source of
communication with God.
As special protector of the lens and Guardian
of the dark room, I pray to you to always keep
my point of view clear, my prints fixed,
and my creative channels open at all times.
Amen.