The Easter Road to Pentecost from Light into Light

Design Notes

The "easter to Pentecost" images: The design of each of the eight images includes the circle (a symbol of unity, eternity, completeness), one of eight colours (the three primaries, the three secondaries, plus black and white), a natural form of light (e.g. sun, moon, etc.), and often a reference to the Ontario landscape. The images are mixed media, created with many layers of tissue and other papers overlaid on a background colour wash of acrylic paint.

Image # 1, The Angel, shows circles of energy/power radiating from the Angel's face, in subtle rainbow colours, from white to yellow to orange, etc. The overall colour theme is white. The natural light source represented is the lightening flashing around the Angel's head. Other details include triangular pupils in the eyes (representing the Trinity, and also conveying an other-worldly appearance); the colours of dawn in the Angel's skin tone; and the hand gestures, one down to indicate the empty tomb; the other up to indicate "Christ is risen."

Image #2: "The Garden", incorporates the circle theme in the round stone, the curved stairway, the curving trees, and the energy radiating from the Risen One. The overall colour theme is green, and the natural light source represented is sunrise. Mary is in the act of turning, with one hand indicating the empty tomb and the steps she has climbed, and the other hand reaching out to the Risen One, who extends a hand towards her. There is light in the empty tomb, since Mary has just seen angels there. The steps represent spiritual progress, while the trilliums represent the Trinity, and of course are an Ontario reference.

Image #3: "The Road to Emmaus" shows the Risen One talking to two followers as they approach Emmaus. The circle theme is evident in the setting sun, and the curving buildings and trees. The colour theme is orange, and the natural light source represented is sunset. On the right is a vineyard and on the left is a green wheat field, referring back to the wine and bread of the Last Supper and forward to the meal that will be shared in Emmaus. The buildings and pine trees imply an Ontario setting.

Image #4: "Thomas" presents the Northern Lights as the natural light source, and black as the colour theme. The circle theme appears in the curve of the landscape (giving a slightly off-balance feel), in the figure's outstretched arms, and in the rounded rocks. The figure's position expresses openness, acceptance, praise, awe.

Image #5: "The Fish" incorporates the circle theme in the rings of light around the central figure, and in the curving landscape, water and clouds. The colour theme is blue, and the natural light source represented is the moon. There is a net texture in the water to indicate Peter's fishing nets, and the fish in the water are echoed by the cloud shapes above. Because of the blue and silver in this image, it has a particularly northern feel.

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