Sr Wendy Beckett introduces Greg Tricker

Bernadette of Lourdes - Tricker

Sr Wendy Becket and artist Greg Tricker came to St Pauls' bookshop last week for the launch of her third book this year - a commentary on his work, entitled The Christ Journey.

An exhibition of Tricker's sculptures, pictures and stained glass has been adorning the side chapels of Westminster cathedral and drawing in the crowds for the last two weeks. In mid November, it moves to the Piano Nobile Gallery in Hammersmith.

Sr Wendy praises the simplicity and purity of his stained glass, a new medium for the artist. A wood carving in 500 year-old oak of The Grail Journey, depicting a boat with St Joseph of Arimathea and companions, was described by Sr Wendy as a masterpiece.

The Gloucestershire based artist said that his art was driven by an inner impulse through the texture of materials used His work was exhibited at Gloucester Cathedral earlier in the year and Sr Wendy enthused that Cathedrals throughout the country should throw open their doors to accomodate his visionary art, which was best presented in a sacred space.

Many of his pictures on wood or canvas resemble Coptic Icons with large penetrating eyes. His most recent paintings are more abstract and Tricker said this was deliberate to draw the onlooker deeper into the Christ mystery.

Sr Wendy, has a personal assistant in the shape of a former US Airforce chaplain, Fr Stephen Blair, who helped type her latest book and is credited in the frontispiece.

Fr Blair, who is a priest in the East Anglia Diocese and worked as US airforce chaplain for 22 years, says it has been a challenge keeping up with Sr Wendy on her travels, promoting her books.

On 1 November he takes up a post as Chaplain to the Sisters at Quidenham, which he jokingly says will be a rest.

The Christ Journey by Sr Wendy Becket is published by St Pauls Publishing, London, 2011) ISBN 9780854398225 Price £45