José García Moreno
2026
Fishers of Men
Ceramic Mural at Holy Family Catholic Church, Artesia CA
Inspired by Anima Mundi and Matthew 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."
About the Work
Created for the vestibule entrance of Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia, California, Fishers of Men is a 10-by-52-foot ceramic mural developed over two years with Pastor Fr. John Cordero, MMHC, and Fr. Luis Proença, S.J. The project was conceived as a tribute to the parish's origins in Artesia's historic Portuguese community—echoing the traditional six-inch azulejo tilework of Portuguese churches—while reflecting the shared faith of the parish's Portuguese, Filipino, Korean, and Latino communities. Rooted in Matthew 28:19 ("Go therefore and make disciples of all nations"), the design brings together ocean imagery of fish and shells moving along an open spiral of light toward the Eucharist on the far-left wall.
DOCUMENTATION
PROCESS
To translate digital illustration and mosaic textures into a permanent architectural medium, the composition was divided across nearly 1,500 six-inch tiles and fired in collaboration with Colorado-based ceramic studio Enduring Images. Installed across the church entrance in 2026, the tilework is designed to endure for generations as an understated threshold for contemplation, welcoming parishioners and visitors to step out of the pace of daily life into quiet reflection.