Description
Painting Leap of Faith – Faith in Gold
Contemporary Christian Cross Artwork in Gold Leaf
This motive with the title “Leap of Faith” is one of a series of three pictures with the themes: Faith – Hope – Love. The images are symbols of the three cardinal virtues of Christians, also known as the divine virtues.
“But now faith, hope, love, these three remain; but love is the greatest among them,” writes Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13.
The painting shows a human figure that can be interpreted as jumping, but is also reminiscent of an image of the crucified man. It encourages viewers to consider the big questions of faith, courage and overcoming and gives the room a sophisticated accent.
“Leap of faith” is also a term in skate language. The “Leap of Faith” was considered the highest and most difficult gap in the world and was only completed once - by Jamie Thomas – survived without any broken bones. Jamie Thomas speaks in an interview about the fear
which he had to overcome in order to take the leap. His friend Lopez then suggested calling this jump the “Leap of Faith,” and the term has been established among skaters ever since.
Whether in skateboarding, snowboarding, freestyle skiing, dance, or climbing, there is always a moment when courage must become greater than fear. Leap of Faith captures precisely that instant and transforms it into a visual expression of faith.
Faith in Genuine Gold
Faith in Genuine Gold
Leap of Faith unites traditional Christian symbolism with a refined contemporary visual language. Handcrafted with 23-karat gold leaf on handmade laid paper, the artwork possesses remarkable depth and luminosity. As the light changes throughout the day, the gold comes alive, revealing new reflections and subtle nuances with every glance.
The composition suggests a cross without depicting one literally. It is precisely this reduction that gives the work its quiet strength. Rather than presenting the cross as a historical emblem, Leap of Faith reinterprets it as a timeless symbol of faith—an expression of the courage to take the decisive step into the unknown.
The deliberately integrated typography, printed in black printer ink, forms a conscious dialogue with the centuries-old materials. Together, gold leaf, handmade document ink, laid paper and contemporary typography unite traditional craftsmanship with modern design—one of the defining characteristics of the artworks created at Atelier Wonnereich.
Impact in the Interior
Impact in the Interior
Leap of Faith brings a calm yet expressive presence to contemporary homes and workplaces. As a modern interpretation of the Christian cross, it blends effortlessly into living rooms, home offices, studies and libraries, while also creating a distinctive focal point in medical practices, law firms, boutique hotels and thoughtfully designed reception areas.
Especially in places where people make important decisions or embark on new journeys, the artwork serves as a quiet reminder of trust, courage and the strength of faith. In this way, Leap of Faith unites timeless Christian symbolism with a refined contemporary aesthetic. The work demonstrates how contemporary Christian art can speak to today's world—minimalist in form, powerful in meaning, and appealing to those who appreciate both sophisticated design and enduring spiritual symbolism.
Gift tips
A Meaningful Gift
The artwork also makes an exceptional gift for anyone standing at the threshold of a new chapter in life or preparing to take an important step. Whether celebrating Confirmation, graduation, the beginning of a professional career, a wedding, moving into a new home, or any significant new beginning, Leap of Faith reminds us that every remarkable journey begins with a single step.
The artwork also makes an exceptional gift for anyone standing at the threshold of a new chapter in life or preparing to take an important step. Whether celebrating Confirmation, graduation, the beginning of a professional career, a wedding, moving into a new home, or any significant new beginning, Leap of Faith reminds us that every remarkable journey begins with a single step.
It is equally meaningful for people who continually challenge their own limits—whether in sport, professional life or personal growth. Skaters, climbers, mountaineers, dancers, gymnasts, snowboarders, skiers, pilots and everyone who chooses courage over hesitation will find in Leap of Faith an inspiring companion and a lasting symbol of confidence, determination and faith.
Gifts per Occasion
The occasions are diverse. It is suitable for a birthday, Christmas, wedding anniversary or wedding. For an anniversary, graduation, doctorate, bachelor's degree, confirmation, confirmation or high school diploma, 18th birthday, 19th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th.
Especially when moving into a new apartment or opening a business.
More modern wall pictures for the living room, office, ordination or practice.
Faith
Hope
Love
Gift ideas for birthday: Modern images of saints made with handmade document ink
Buy modern pictures for living rooms online
This artwork is part of an ongoing artistic cycle. Every piece is carefully handcrafted and bears its own unique signature through its lines, the application of gold leaf or ink and its individual expression. The motifs are not continued indefinitely; certain interpretations may eventually be completed and remain part of an evolving body of work. Additional interpretations of this motif, as well as related works from the same cycle, are available upon request.
Material
Gold
The application consists of genuine 23-karat double ducat gold leaf from the Austrian Mint.
In addition, I use digital elements, for example in the lettering, which is applied to the paper with conventional printer ink using a complex process and represents the computer technology of our time.
Each artwork is unique. My own techniques allow the creation of similar works, but never identical ones.
I sign each sheet by hand (pencil, monogram WR for Wonnereich, or UR for Ulrike Rainer), sometimes on the reverse. A certificate card with details on materials and technique is included.
Handwork & Handmade Paper
I create the artworks by hand in mixed media on fine handmade paper. The paper is slightly cream-coloured and features irregular, hand-torn edges.
This edge structure is material-related and gives each artwork an individual character. For this reason, the dimensions of the works may vary slightly.
The usual formats are approx. A4 (approx. 21 × 28 cm or 8,3 x 11,0 in) or approx. A5 (approx. 19 × 15 cm or 7,5 x 5,9 in), depending on execution and availability.
Unless otherwise stated, the handmade paper used comes from paper mills in Italy or Spain, regions with some of the oldest paper-making traditions in Europe.
On Iron
Upon request, the artwork is presented on iron.
The iron works are made of controlled rusted iron with a material thickness of approx. 0.5 to 1 mm, depending on availability. The rusting process is initiated by hand, then stopped, and the surface is sealed.
Patterning and rust structure vary, as does the coloration, ranging from silvery-grey tones to reddish-brown hues.
Unless otherwise stated, the artwork is mounted using the included magnets. In individual cases, the work is screwed.
Iron works are generally centrally pre-drilled and prepared for wall mounting, except for larger formats (e.g. 40 × 50 cm). These are not pre-drilled, as their weight does not allow mounting with a single nail.
Special requests (e.g. without pre-drilling) are possible depending on availability.
Note: The image shown represents an example from the respective series. Rust structure, coloration, and mounting method may vary depending on the individual execution.
Notes
Payment
Payment is made as part of the order process using the payment methods offered in the shop.
For works that are created individually, I begin the work after receipt of payment or payment confirmation.
The following payment options are available:
- Bank transfer (you will receive the invoice and bank details after your order has been placed)
- PayPal
- Credit card via PayPal (no PayPal account required)
For payments made via PayPal or credit card, confirmation is usually received promptly. In the case of bank transfers, the processing time depends on the banking system and is outside my control.
Payments made in a currency other than euros may incur additional bank fees.
VAT exempt in accordance with the small business regulation.
Notes
You can reach me by email at office@wonnereich.com.
Please note:
For personalised works (e.g. personal names, specific lettering, individual adjustments), the right of withdrawal and return is excluded once work on the piece has begun.
Further information on personalised products can be found in the “Personalisation” tab. If this tab is not present, personalisation is not available for the respective work.
Unless otherwise stated, works are delivered without frames or accessories.
Production Time & Shipping
Finished works are usually shipped within 2–3 working days after receipt of payment.
For individually created or handcrafted works, production may take a few additional days, particularly in the case of ongoing cycles or limited works. In such cases, you will of course be informed in advance.
Interior Inspiration Gallery
The room inspiration images shown are intended to illustrate possible living and interior design settings. Depending on the product, they may include both real photographs and digitally created visualizations, including interiors generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. They are provided solely for inspiration and demonstrate example ways in which the artworks may be displayed.
