Liturgical Art

The works shown on this page were mostly commissioned to solve particular problems in and around the worship spaces in our church.

Triptych Screen

One of the three services at our church each Sunday is held in the parish hall for those who prefer a more intimate and informal setting. (Attendance had outgrown the chapel.) This screen was constructed as a backdrop for the altar table, to set off the worship space from its more utilitarian surroundings. It is moved into place for Sunday worship, then out of the way for other functions in the room.

Triptych Screen, Hosanna Side (for festival seasons), Acrylics on Wood, 3 -30 x 80 panels
Triptych Screen, Hosanna Side (for celibratory seasons), Acrylics on Wood, 30 x 80 Panels

The screen is reversible, with one side designed for celibratory seasons (Christmas and Easter) and the other for the seasons of preparation (Advent and Lent) as well as what the church calls Ordinary Time (the seasons between Christmas and Lent and between Easter and Advent). White and gold are the principal colors on the festival side; green and purple on the reverse.

Triptych Screen, Grapevine Side (for seasons of preparation and ordinary time), Acrylics on Wood, 3 - 30 x 80 Panels
Triptych Screen, Grapevine Side (for seasons of preparation and ordinary time), Acrylics on Wood, 30 x 80 Panels

Bookstore Installation

At the other end of the parish hall is a small bookstore. This installation was created to sit on top of the bookshelves to screen a utility space behind them. The panels can be lowered to cover the bookshelves when desired.

Bookstore Installation, Acrylics on Six 36 x 48 Canvas Panels
Bookstore Installation, Acrylics, on 6, 36 x 48 Canvas Panels

The scene is a seascape with doves above and fish in the water. No particular story is illustrated, although there are 153 fish in the scene (see John 21).

Symbols of the Church

This piece was commissioned to cover an architectural oddity left over from a former renovation/expansion.

Symbols of the Church Wall Hanging, Acrylics on Wood 64 x 58
Symbols of the Church Wall Hanging, Acrylic Mixed Media, 64 x 58

Jerusalem Model

This construction is the most elaborate of the many items created for the children’s education program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Jerusalem Model for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Acrylics on Wood and Modeling Compound 36 x 36
Jerusalem Model for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Acrylics on Wood and Modeling Compound, 36 x 36
Jerusalem -1
Here a corner has been removed showing a contrasting foundation children can reference when selecting pieces.

The topography of ancient Jerusalem was formed from modeling compound and the commercially available kit (walls and major structures), designed for a flat table, was modified to fit onto the topography.

“Peace” Wall Hanging

One of two panels originally created to spruce up some rather ugly side doors into the Nave, this one now hangs in our home (the doors having been replaced).

Wall Hanging, Acrylic on Wood 19 x 36
Wall Hanging, Acrylic on Wood 19 x 36

Digital Art

Some photos are taken to document or illustrate. These are created to express visually some aspect of liturgical worship. Sometimes Photoshop editing can help convey a particular mood or focal point.

The Gifts, Photograph
The Gifts (2005). Photoshop enhanced image. Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Easter9964
Easter Sunday (2006). Oak Ridge, Tennessee.