The Healing Power of Art

After a contentious divorce, Catherine Partain Shamblin found herself feeling alone and without direction. A mysterious voice told her to make a cross with whatever materials she could find, and now, her beautifully crafted crosses serve as healing agents for Catherine and the people who purchase them.

In the April-May 2016 edition of Mysterious Ways, Jim Hinch profiles sculptor Catherine Partain Shamblin, who some years ago, after a contentious divorce, found herself feeling alone and without direction. A mysterious voice told her to make a cross with whatever materials she could find, and now, her beautifully crafted crosses serve as healing agents for Catherine and the people who purchase them.

Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: Catherine at work in her studio

4 of 16 Catherine at work in her studio


Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: Some of the raw materials from which Catherine crafts her crosses

8 of 16 Some of the raw materials from which Catherine crafts her crosses


Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: Catherine takes a break from her welding work

12 of 16 Catherine takes a break from her work

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A cross sculpture by Catherine Partain Shamblin

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Guideposts: A smiling Catherine poses with two of her creations

16 of 16 A smiling Catherine poses with two of her creations

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