Some of the most important experiences we can have
as a Community of Faith are found in working together.
The following examples show a wide range of projects done by more than one person.
Each illustrates the ‘invisible partner’ (Holy Spirit?) aspect often experienced in such work.
“Doves and Flames”
Paper Origami Sculpture
Inspired by the ‘1000 Cranes’ project at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco: According to Japanese tradition, if one folds a thousand cranes and hangs them in a sacred space, long life and good health will follow. It is a short leap to the imagery associated with Pentecost and the doves, flames and mighty wind which heralded the coming of the Spirit. Even the very act of folding and making the doves involves ‘spirit’ imagery. One must blow into them to make them expand and be fully three-dimensional - the ‘breath of life, so-to-speak.
The ‘Doves and Flames’ remained in the nave for the entire summer, then were taken down at All-Saints to be ‘parted out’ in recognition of those absent from us, whether by distance, circumstance or death. They were shared widely, some mailed all over the world. 1992
This particular installation was more than 70’ in length, 5’ high -136 doves & 49 flames hanging from black nylon cording - run out clothes-line style so that the flames were placed over the center aisle, seeming to come to rest on the heads of those passing under. Two people created this version but many hands would make much lighter work of it! While Origami is very playful looking, it is not easily accomplished by younger children.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
“Faces of Christ” Banner
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
“All-Saints” Frontal - An Acolyte Workshop
As part of Acolyte Workshops in the fall of 2004, two sessions were held for participants to create ‘A Piece of Art for the Worship Space’. In this exercise each group created its portion of the Frontal without knowledge of what the other group was doing. Group I placed large stars (each with the name of a person in the building that day) throughout the composition along with numerous other ‘celestial’ images. Group II worked on the quotation (placing letters and decorating them) as well as adding more stars, comets, etc. The panels were then assembled and everyone could ‘read’ what had been accomplished. The Frontal was so popular that many insisted that it be shared with Diocesan Convention, meeting soon after.
Frontal, when viewed ‘straight-on’, requires you to move to the left, then to the right.
This design is composed of two separate-but-related matboard panels (cut into 4” strips and reassembled for decorating). When completed, they are mounted on a cardboard backing of ‘peaks and valleys’ enabling each composition to be viewed independently or together. The ‘viewer’ must walk from one side to the other to see the ‘change’ and the complete image. The stars with each person’s name were very effective, especially when the participants realized that they were included in the those ‘named by God’ as a Saint.
This workshop required significant preparation ahead of time in order for the hour-long sessions to accomplish what they did. The ‘product’ was attractive but one must acknow-ledge and embrace the commitment to making such things come off well. Participants in the workshops ranged from age 10 to adult. It is 39” high, 8’ long.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
“Beyond the Wall”:
a Great Dossal for Pentecost
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
“Welcoming Wall”
Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Burlington, Vermont
The heraldic-style shields represent each worship community in the Diocese of Vermont, welcoming all Episcopalians to THEIR cathedral. The word ‘WELCOME’ is included as well, it’s faux shadow surprising more than one visitor! This is the collaboration of Judith McManis and David Shuffelburg. Dave had been working on designs for a number of years; Judith suggested the collaboration in recognition of the Diocese 175th Anniversary Celebration. Each shield is available in electronic format for individual parish to use as they might have need. This is an on-going project and will include (in a separate grouping) shields for Episcopal schools, chapels and other historically consecrated sites. Begun 2007
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
