This is the story of the construction of the Cross of Jesus Christ at Rafael's studio in Rockledge Fl.
Jesus is coming.
Beginning to work on the cross in Rafaels studio out of galvanized steel. As the cross grew bigger (24 foot tall) it was moved to the yard to be lifted.
Lifting the cross and putting into position to finish welding the structure.
Lowering again to put on concrete stucco.
Testing terra cotta color for the cross.
After filling the cross with 1400 lbs of cement, and finishing the terra cotta coloring, the lifting begins.
Close to Heaven.
Celebrating and working on the 4th of July.
At this time after the measurements, the frame of the body is positioned on the cross to assure it fits.
Thanks to Jerry Hanzl and Jim Jensen for helping me with the monument of Jesus.
Finally time to start adding details to the sculpture.
In the sub conscience of my soul, Jesus was telling me to change the position of his right hand so He could caress people who approach. For about three weeks I did not pay attention. One morning I started to work on him and all of a sudden he came loose and fell on top of me. I tried to hold him but he is so big I could not handle it. He fall to the floor breaking his right hand and leaving the hand in the position that he wanted.
This is the most important part of this sculpture, the Face of Jesus. I remade it over 20 times until His spirit guided me to completion to bring life to his eyes and mouth. He is saying" I am the link to the Father"
Making the arms and hands of Jesus was a beautiful experience. Both are the same but in different positions. I did not have any problems with the left arm but the right hand and arm drove me crazy because of the movement of the body. It is a special position that took many hours to master.
I had to model the arm position myself in order to get the correct angles and proportions to Jesus on the cross.
My sincere thanks to Mrs Cenaida Smudde for being a great artist and helping with the sculpture os Jesus.
Beauty and joy came after 100's of hours of work, Jesus is looking the way he wanted it through my dream.
My friends Jerry and Cher Hanzl stop by to take pictures of the progress of the statue.
Many other friends also view the progress, Dr Baez, Mr and Mrs Wald and Gail Light.
Cross Down. Making the sign, Painting the cross and testing the sculpture for the anchors, to make sure they fit.
He is happy with how the sculpture is progressing, He is ready to go to the Cross.
Lifting up the Cross to show the new sculpture of Jesus to the world.
Attaching the finished body of Christ to his cross.
I AM
Follow me to the Father with the same love that I have for all of you, dying for you on the cross.