Gaylord Ho Presents

"I would like to share with you a wonderful event the Vatican that took place this past April that honored my master sculptor, Gaylord Ho. I am iv proud of Gaylord and this recent honor that s been bestowed upon him. Gaylord brought my art to life through his sculpting." Pipka

1n an audience with Pope Benedict XVI, Master sculptor Gaylord Ho, Sculptor of Emotions, presented his unpublished sculpture "Grace Leads Me Home" to the Pope for recognition of the Pope's 80th birthday and second anniversary of his Papacy. The artwork is' a guardian angel overlooking a happy family. She is standing with her arms outstretched, the wind in her hair and robe. In one hand she holds an olive branch seeking peace and harmony in the world and in e the family. In the other, she holds a wheat sheaf asking for abundance for all the people of the world. Doves fly around her bringing peace and happiness to all.

This sculptural symbolism is Gaylord's way of wishing protection, peace, happiness and abundance to all the people of the world. He wanted to offer this sculpture to Pope Benedict XVI in recognition of the high position in the world that he holds and the ideals that he has put forth in his two years in Papacy. Gaylord felt that the family symbol was important to Pope Benedict since the Pope included a married couple and their child in an inaugural Mass. Besides his own inner inspiration, Gaylord's sculpture was partly inspired by Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise" in Florence.

Because of the size of the artwork, the presentation was held on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica in front of thousands of people who had gathered for his Wednesday blessings. Pope Benedict was very taken with the angel and by Gaylord's talent and heart felt interest in bringing joy and peace to all the people of the world with his sculptural art.

With this acceptance, Gaylord becomes one of a handful of artists ever to be honored by the Holy See in this way and is thrilled to have his sculpture displayed in the Vatican along with the artwork of the greatest artists of the world from all eras; i.e. Michelangelo and Rafael.

Reprinted from International Art Source (Summer 2007)

Gaylord Ho Presents Sculpture to Pope Benedect XVI