June 09, 2006
Reflection on the Pentecost Art Installation
The installations, designed to look like lightening, depicted the Spirit descending at Pentecost, with the little houses symbolising God coming to dwell amongst us intimately. The leaves descending with the branches were fresh live leaves stitched together. The leaves scattered under each branch depicted the Spirit striking the earth and spreading out in an explosive fashion.
Using tortured willow spoke of the pain of the birth of the church. Their sensual form reflects God’s extravagant love for us all. The fact that the branches weren’t worked by machine but were all worked by hand spoke of the hands-on physical involvement of God in the formation and birth of the church. The tips of the branches were sharpened, like lightening, dangerous and unpredictable.
Sycamore seeds released from the ceiling spun down amongst the branches and leaves as a symbol of the Spirit. The seed contains everything that a sycamore is, and has the potential to become a mature tree, just as the Spirit contains everything God is.
The hope is that this installation will grow and be added to next year.
Pete the Painter
(More pics here)