Artist Profile
The works of artist, Catholic deacon and University of Dayton alumnus Ned Ostendorf, who died in 2009, depict Biblical scenes from the Old and the New Testaments. Each include a related image hidden somewhere in the work. They are accompanied by meditations written by Ostendorf on the primary image and clues to the hidden ones. For example, in a work of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, the hidden image is a dove representing the Holy Spirit. 

Born in Dayton in 1934, Ostendorf graduated in 1955 from the University of Dayton with a bachelor's degree in arts and where he met and married Catherine DeVol. His professional career as an artist for religious and educational publications spanned 55 years. Ostendorf pursued a religious calling in later years, serving as a Roman Catholic deacon at parishes in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, as well as chaplain at Warren County Correctional Institute in Lebanon, Ohio.


Artist Statement
Some fifteen years ago, I acquired a Book entitled "The Art of Bev Doolittle." It is a beautiful book and features
natural landscape scenes which are intertwined with hidden images of American Indian folklore. The hidden images of the Indians and animals depicted in her paintings have been a favorite of print collectors for years.

Her work spawned the idea of, "Why not take the Bible, which is the greatest book ever written, and develop a hidden images series of the immortal figures and events representing God's people?" Thus was born the Creative Image Series shown in this portfolio of paintings. The first one painted was of Jesus' journey into the desert titled, "In All Ways."

I hope you enjoy the experience of discovery similar to the one often associated with the study of Scripture itself.

Deacon Ned Ostendorf


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