Bringing to light
Beaverlodge parishioner using lithophane art to fundraise for his parish
With an ancient artform and modern tools, Tomas Krejcar is utilizing his talents to help his parish.
Combining both 3D printing and the 19th century art of lithophanes, Tomas has spent the past few months promoting his personally-made lithophane gifts to parishioners to help raise money for St. Mary’s Church in Beaverlodge.
Lithophane – derivative of the Greek lithos meaning stone, and phainen meaning “to cause to appear” – refers to a unique decorative art in which images are carved using different shades of thickness, which then become fully visible when the pieces are backlit by a light source. When plainly viewed, lithophane artworks appear gray, bland, with their images barely discernable. But when they are placed in front of light, the images become fully visible in all their detail and splendour.
While lithophane art only came into being in the 19th century, it is rooted in earlier artforms, such as lampshades with details inscribed into them that would only become visible when the light within the lamp was lit.
Tomas has been experimenting with making lithophane art since he got a 3D printer three years ago. As a Christmas gift from his wife, his work with the 3D printer started as simply a fun hobby.
Then, last September, St. Mary’s parish finance council gave a talk on the growing financial need of their church, especially in the midst of rising prices in insurance and utilities.
From there, Tomas began to brainstorm ways he could use this hobby to support the parish.
“I started messing around with the 3D printer and made all kinds of stuff. One of the first things I started with was making small lithophane pieces,” he said. “I never considered selling anything I make. We’re pretty remote here, shipping things costs a lot here, and there’s already many people selling 3D printed nonsense out there.
“But when they mentioned in the Church they were looking for ways to raise funds, I thought maybe this would be a good way to put my skills to use to help the church.”
The lithophane pieces Tomas makes can be personally customized using family photos, religious art or other related requests, and can be designed as ornaments, nightlights, lamps and other decorative styles. Utilizing software that allows one to determine the shape and images out of a plastic filament, the printer goes on to melt the plastic into the desire shape.
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Anyone looking to make custom orders and support St. Mary’s fundraiser, visit stmarybeaverlodge.ca/fundraiser
This is only an excerpt. Read the full story in the December 2024 edition of Northern Light