Massachusett's Artist Paul Crimi's view of Ground Zero

PATRIOT LEDGER
By Toka Beech and Sam Bertschmann

"9/11 Holy Ground" by Paul Crimi

MASSACHUSETTS — The drowsy heat of midmorning crept into the studio in Rockland, offset somewhat by a slight breeze coming in from the doorway. Light streamed through the windows, illuminating tables full of old bottles, half-finished canvases, and the occasional sculpture. It was a Tuesday in late August and Paul Crimi sat among his artwork. The 64-year-old MFA graduate showed off his most talked piece of late: a huge oil painting of Ground Zero, the spirits of victims rising, clothed in white, from the rubble. It’s called “9/11 Holy Ground.” The piece is spiritual, a theme that’s permeated Crimi’s work since an accident in the family led him to embrace the Christian faith. “They’re all the people. They’re going to heaven,” Crimi said of the figures. Crimi is a member of 4th Floor Artists in Rockland. For more information about Crimi, visit http://www.paulcrimifinearts.com/. For more information about 4th Floor Artists, visit http://www.4thfloorartists.org/. [link]