A monk, an artist, and the Vatican walk into a Kentucky abbey—no joke, just genius.
Quest for Beauty is a film documentary on the life and prolific art career of William Schickel who was a prominent 20th century Catholic artist. Schickel had a very prolific art career spanning sixty-plus years; he produced a large body of mostly commissioned work in painting, sculpture, stained glass, and architectural design. He is most well-known for his renovation of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, where he worked personally with Thomas Merton. His works can be found in numerous private collections and museums, including the Vatican Museum. The film explores his Quest for Beauty and the challenges he faced, and his vision for the Church and his heart for unity in the Body of Christ.
Cinematography
Gethsemani abbey shots that'll make you want to take vows.
Production
Rare Vatican archive footage, casually dropped.
Writing
Merton correspondence reads like spiritual poetry.
Director
David Whitaker
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Schickel designed over 1,000 works and most people can't name one—peak artist's artist energy.
The Gethsemani renovation happened during Vatican II's liturgical upheaval, making Schickel's traditional-beauty mission quietly radical.
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