The Studio:
E. A. Hayes Studio is a sacral arts and restoration studio based out of Southeast Michigan. Specializing in whole church and statue restoration since 2018, the studio has offered its in-studio and in-situ services throughout the United States from as far away as California and North Carolina. The studio is unique in its ability to mount precious gems within statuary, an offering unheard of outside of European masters.
Ethan:
Ethan Hayes received his Master in Sacred Art degree from the Scuola di Arte Sacra in Firenze, Italy specializing in goldsmithing. Coming from a science background, he also holds Bachelor of Science and Associate of Natural Science degrees after a Catholic liberal arts education. He has gathered great acumen from diverse sources and teachers to which he is greatly indebted . From study under these masters and years of reading the masters of yesterday, he focuses on the synthesis between the psychological and physical principles behind aesthetics, and the mystical typology of the Catholic faith.
Mentors:
- Maestro Francesco Paganini:
Renowned Master Goldsmith instructor of Scuola di Arte Sacra in Firenze, Italy under which Ethan received his Masters degree. During this time he directly taught many of the goldsmithing skills Ethan uses today.
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- Master James Leacock MFA, 2022-present:
Former professor at Eastern Michigan University and former conservator at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Leacock taught Ethan artifact conservation and mounting with a specialty in brass and acrylic mounts. It was under Leacock that Ethan developed his current technique for repairing hairline fractures in plaster statuary, as well as where he learned cost-effective ways to actualize compo and gold-leaf wall appliques and other products.​
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- Ms. Drixelle Dayap BS, 2022-present:
Ms. Dayap is a interior designer based out of Manila who specializes in liturgical design. Ethan has had a professional relationship with Ms. Dayap since 2022, and consults with Ethan on Spanish Baroque and Mission style projects, as he does for her statuary projects She produces all of the studios' digital project renderings.
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- Master Jeng De Leon MA, 2021-present
A master church restorationist himself, Jeng has worked with Ethan since 2021 on brassware design, Ethan collaborates closely with De Leon's studio which produces all of the studios' custom gold-plated brass goods. In turn, Ethan consults with Jeng on international sourcing and material processes.
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