spirit

‘the Dove Descending’

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, West Bloomfield, MI

The dove is recognized far and wide as a symbol of peace and purity. In the Christian church it is universally emblematic of the Holy Ghost. In this tall window and its attached diagonal clerestory light, the form of a descending dove is delineated in white opalescent glass. Most of the form, however, is left to the imagination, as the body and all but the tips of the tail and one wing are ‘concealed’ behind (or within) a brick wall. The invisible connection suggests the challenge of accepting and believing in things we cannot fully comprehend. Only then, through faith, do we see and understand.

‘Mystic Rose’ Window ‘Risen Christ’ sculpture

Chapel, Cemetery of the Resurrection, Staten Island, NY

Trustees of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The "Risen Christ" is a composite image of glass, light, and shadow. The figure of Christ crucified is clearly outlined in space by the surrounding glass modules. There is no body---only the thorny crown and cloth raiment are physically represented. Transmitted and reflected light---moving and changing with the clouds and sun in this glass-roofed structure---expands and augments the image. It was hoped that the interconnected impressions of Christ's suffering and sacrifice, the joy of His resurrection, and the glory of His ascension, would help those who suffer from a loss to unlock and experience their grief, to release their emotional pain, and to find solace and strength through faith.

At the opposite end of the chapel, the "Mystic Rose" window suggests the presence of the Holy Trinity. The hard-edged inner cross contains an inch-thick faceted glass piece that evokes the 'all-seeing eye' of the Father. The outer cross represents the Son, and is softened by a multicolored aura like the one in the Risen Christ sculpture. The Holy Ghost takes the form of an ethereal descending dove, subtly outlined by faceted crystals placed within the background grid lines.

The window and the sculpture become one when the sun sends a beam of light from the apex of the 'God's eye' to the surface of the reredos upon which the sculpture is mounted. At certain times in the spring and fall, as the beam of light traces a path across the reredos, it strikes the lead-crystal gem situated at the 'heart' of the sculpture, turning it blood red.