Spirit of Nature is a visual and written journey through the Berkshire region: the stunning topography of its rivers, mountains, valleys, and fauna; the inspiring light of its gentle sunrises; the height of its awesome days; its fiery sunsets; and its abundance of spiritual inspiration. Richard Nunley takes us on an informative and enjoyable ride through the history of this area and offers a thorough introduction to the life and work of Berkshire artist Jim Schantz. The words of Brother Thomas contribute a contemplative and deep understanding of the purpose and effect of the artist's work. The richly rendered and dramatically colored pastels by Jim Schantz are more than mere descriptions of the Berkshires, they are vignettes - fleeting moments of peace and splendor. He has the gift of being able to comprehend and describe the physical beauty of the area and its spiritual power. This ability is a source of contentment both for the artist and those who experience his work. Spirit of Nature included color reproductions of sixty-three pastels by Jim Schantz, representing nearly a decade of his work.
