I wasn't aware of that movie, as it's not the type I'm usually into. Italian aesthetic is great, though, and so is Christian/Catholic. Sometimes it felt like that was a major appeal of the faith for some people. At some point I'll probably do some art of my character embracing Catholic imagery, I was raised around it.

Unintentionally, your art here reminds me of the Knights of Ren from Star Wars EP. 9. Donkey instead of monkey.

Well i suposse the aesthetic is part of the advertised "purity" which forming part of a religion supossedly grants. Of course you can be religious and pure of heart, but they are not related, so it makes sense that one would try to match it visually with a clean look.
And neat, it would be pretty interesting to see any sort of religious imagery you could think to put to peper!

also hahah oh man, i hadn't really thought about it, but yeah the Nun outfit does kind of look like the knights of ren

Not just purity, but Catholic imagery in particular has a very authoritative look. I think from the time that it was merged with the government in the dark ages. I feel like some people, or many in parts of the US, are more attracted to the power structure than the real messaging of the faith. I've always personally appreciated the duality in the visual aesthetic of Catholicism. Churches are typically a white or stone, but the priests are wearing all black. Themes like purity, grace, charity, are typically associated with white or light colors. Yet, most uniforms within the church are black. But they still manage to adopt the themes, even visually I think.

And yeah, now I kind of want to do Knights of Ren art too...

oh wow alright yeah, i had never thought about it that way but yes, the divine for a while in history did have a very authoritative role, and yeah that would totally translate into the imagery ... and i guess for me that's exactly why i don't think i could ever embrace organized religion, because of the control aspect and the tendency to become "prescriptive" aka: you must live your life in X way, or in such or such manner, rules rules rules etc....

but oh man i love how bring up about these church related contrasts.

And hey, glad my art can somewhat inspire you into something new! that's what i like so much about the art here, it's always so out there and it really lends itself to serendipitous and spontaneous ideas and experiences

Something that a lot of people these days say, which resonates with me a bit, is being more interested in spirituality than religion. Meaning they adopt a faith to engage with something they feel beyond themselves, rather than prescribing to cult like conformity. If you're in with a good bunch, that's what it'll be about. I guess, different people have different paths in life. Seek what speaks to you, that's how I found my way back.

I think I've spoken to the art stuff with you before, that's what I like about this whole site! So many strange, interesting, great people. You get these pieces of their life experience through the art they make and share. You can't help but wonder and be inspired.

i get you yeah, definitely a lot more on the side of spirituality, by yourself or in a group, than with organized religion, especially since it can take so many forms in different cultures. I think furry especially lends itself to spiritual interpetations, given the whole "spirit animal" aspect of fursonas!
And glad you've found your way to faith, it's not something i've really prioritized it in my life, but i'm sure it's been present in it in one way or another.
I think the current ignorance of one's own spirituality also is one of the root causes for a lot of how miserable/lonely people can feel in general

I think it's interesting the different reasons or things people do with their fursonas. I understand it's popular to have them as a sort of mask to hide behind, or act out through. I like to use mine in a sort of introspective way, by basing it around themes or ideas that are already present in my life and person. To an extent, I feel like this whole furry thing is an exaggeration of the theme of animal nature in man, that were all exploring.

I had my eyes open, but I wasn't searching. I sometimes wonder if it would have meant less if I was. It found me anyway. They say "God works in mysterious ways". Everything I saw and experienced to bring me back to where I am, is what I specifically, personally, would have needed to see. It only reinforces the idea to me that there's someone or something out there that we can't fully understand.

I definitely agree. People put money, greed, fame, materialistic or egotistic things in a place of nearly religious importance in their lives, where something deeper and spiritual ought to be. I can't say it's THE reason the world is in a bad place, but it's certainly a core one.