John Femi Akinlabi, the creator behind the sacred art brand Mary's Line, has a deep devotion to family and faith. Growing up as one of nine children born to devout Catholic parents in South Africa, John's formative years were heavily influenced by family life and community service. His father, a sailor, took the family across the globe, including a period in the United Kingdom where John was baptised. This exposure had a profound impact on John's spiritual formation.
John's childhood was rich in spiritual growth, with his father filling their home with a small library of books and exposing the children to Christian films, stories of the saints, and moral documentaries. In his late teens and early twenties, John picked up St Augustine's City of God, which opened his eyes to the intellectual depth of Catholicism. This sparked a deeper reading habit, including classics like The Imitation of Christ, anchoring a faith that continues to grow today.
A month-long consecration to St. Joseph fundamentally altered John's artistic path, inspiring him to explore craftsmanship, woodwork, and working with his hands. This led to the birth of Mary's Line, a brand dedicated to creating sacramentals and sacred art. John's spiritual inspirations include St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Pope John Paul II, and his father, who served as a primary earthly anchor of his Catholic commitment.
For John, choosing sacred art over secular art was a matter of higher purpose. He finds a unique nobility in crafting religious pieces, believing that they can become a window into heaven, a visual aid that helps people enter more deeply into prayer and devotion. John's art is a reflection of his devotion to his faith and his desire to create pieces that can inspire others.
When looking at the state of the Church today, John sees a landscape that requires immense prudence, fortitude, and a delicate balance of truth and compassion. He emphasises the need to remain firm in Christ's moral teachings, particularly regarding complex contemporary questions, while never compromising on mercy. John urges the faithful to pray that Church leaders resist the urge to simply follow cultural trends.
As a dedicated family man himself, John offers a powerful message to young people navigating an increasingly anxious world. He challenges them to tune out the noise of secular expectations and instead ask one foundational question: "Lord, who do You want me to be?" John advises young Catholics to trust that God will provide and that He will lead them where He wants them to go.
John's work can be found on his website, https://www.marysline.com/, and he continues to create sacred art that inspires others. His story serves as a testament to the power of faith and its influence on one's life and work. Through his art, John aims to bring people closer to God and to inspire a deeper devotion to their faith.
Key points
- John Femi Akinlabi's faith was shaped by his upbringing and spiritual inspirations.
- John's art is a reflection of his devotion to his faith and his desire to create pieces that can inspire others.
- He encourages young people to trust in God's plan for their lives and to follow their calling.
